Dhaka, Mar 04 (V7N) – A total of 330 individuals who were abducted remain missing, with slim chances of survival, according to retired judge Mainul Islam Chowdhury, head of the Commission of Inquiry into the Abductions. The commission is investigating whether any of the missing individuals are being held in Indian prisons or other locations.

Additionally, the commission revealed the existence of a secret detention center inside the Bogra police line, where detainees were allegedly held and tortured.

Authorities requested data from police superintendents and BGB officers in border districts regarding individuals who may have been forcibly sent from India. So far, a list of 140 individuals has been obtained, but none match the names of the 330 missing persons.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that 1,067 Bangladeshis have been imprisoned in India over the past two to two and a half years. The commission is currently verifying whether any abducted individuals are among them.

Investigation Progress and Findings

  • 1,752 complaints of abductions have been filed
  • 1,000 complaints have been verified
  • Statements recorded from 280 complainants and 45 law enforcement and intelligence officials
  • Investigations are ongoing to determine the fate of the 330 missing persons

Judge Mainul Islam Chowdhury stated that every abduction was ordered by the government, with the ultimate responsibility resting on the then-Prime Minister. He clarified that members of every government force were involved, but only those directly responsible will be punished.

"The entire force should not panic. The responsibility lies with individuals, not the whole institution," he emphasized.

Noor Khan, a commission member, revealed shocking details of hidden detention centers within police facilities.

"We found a secret detention facility inside the Bogra police line. It functioned like a prison, where detainees were brought from different districts, interrogated, and possibly tortured to death," he said.

These covert centers were allegedly established within the last 10-12 years, and the commission suspects similar facilities exist elsewhere in the country.

The commission warned that influential figures are attempting to shield the accused, engaging in criminal activities to obstruct justice. The inquiry team urged authorities to refrain from protecting those responsible for disappearances.

The findings have raised serious concerns about state-sponsored abductions and extrajudicial practices in Bangladesh, prompting renewed calls for justice and accountability.

END/MSS/AJ