Dhaka, Aug 27 (V7N): A five-member commission has been established to investigate incidents of enforced disappearances allegedly involving the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), police, and other law enforcement agencies over the last 16 years.

The commission, formed on Tuesday, is chaired by retired High Court Division Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, with retired Justice Farid Ahmed Shibli serving as a member. The other members include human rights activist Nur Khan, BRAC University academic Nabila Idris, and human rights activist Sazzad Hossain.

This investigative committee has been tasked with submitting its report within the next 45 working days. A gazette notification issued by the Cabinet Division outlines the commission's responsibilities, which include investigating disappearances that occurred from January 1, 2010, to August 5 of this year. The commission will work to identify the disappeared persons and determine the circumstances surrounding their disappearances.

The notification also specifies that the commission will submit detailed reports on the cases to the relevant authorities and make recommendations. If any disappeared persons are found, the commission will notify their families. Additionally, the commission will gather information on any investigations conducted by other organizations or institutions regarding these incidents.

The Cabinet Division will provide secretarial assistance and cover the necessary expenses for the commission. The commission also has the authority to enlist any public servant of the Republic to aid in their investigation.

Moreover, the notification states that the president of the commission will have the status and privileges of a judge of the Appellate Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, while the commission members will enjoy the status and privileges of judges of the High Court Division.

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