Enforced disappearances began during Mujib’s rule: Mahfuj

Dhaka, Feb 18 (V7N) –Adviser Mahfuj Alam has said enforced disappearances and secret detention centres colloquially known as "Aynaghor" began during Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s regime.

Mahfuj made the claim when speaking to journalists at the inauguration of the Festival of Youth 2025 at the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) in the capital on Tuesday.

He said while Sheikh Mujib attempted to establish a dictatorship, his daughter Sheikh Hasina fully implemented it during her tenure. “Just as Sheikh Mujib suppressed opposition, Sheikh Hasina followed the same path. She nurtured thugs at various levels of the administration using state funds.”

Commenting on the current political situation, Mahfuj said: “The dream that young people took to the streets for has not yet been fulfilled. That dream can only be realized by ensuring justice for the murderers.”

Regarding the country’s reform process, the adviser said: “People expected a new and effective state system, which we have not yet been able to establish. However, the government is working to ensure justice.”

“The project to rescue this nation is vast. Merely holding elections and implementing reforms will not solve all problems. The government is making every effort to build a new state system.”