Dhaka, Sep 09 (V7N)— Families of missing persons have voiced their frustration and condemnation of the government's inaction regarding the investigation into enforced disappearances. Despite the formation of a committee 15 days ago, the families claim there has been no visible progress.

At a press conference held on Monday by the Crime Reporters Association, family members called for the government to release information about the so-called 'mirror house,' which they believe is linked to the disappearances. They demanded that details regarding the location of the facility and information on any prisoners held there be made public within 48 hours.

Bellal Hossain, the chief coordinator for the families of the disappeared, highlighted that over the past 14 years, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has been involved in many cases of disappearances. As a result, some family members have called for the abolition of the force. Hossain also criticised political parties, stating that their focus on power struggles has left the families of the disappeared unsupported.

The families are demanding punishment for those responsible for the disappearances and financial support for the families left behind. These demands come amid long-standing pleas for the government to take action to locate the missing persons. On August 27, the government responded by forming five investigative commissions under the leadership of retired Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, with a 45-day deadline to submit their report.

Commission’s Role and Scope

The commission has been tasked with tracing the missing persons by issuing public notices and establishing a system for people to submit complaints regarding disappearances. Alongside its investigations, the commission will also accept and review complaints from individuals, groups, or victims' families. If the investigation cannot be completed within the allotted 45 days, the commission is expected to request an extension.

A source close to the commission revealed that the organisation "Mayer Dak" submitted a list of 158 missing persons to the Directorate General of Defence Intelligence (DGFI) on August 18, urging an investigation into the disappearances. The source also mentioned that in 2021, the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Working Group on Enforced Disappearances provided the Bangladesh government with a list of 76 victims, highlighting the ongoing concerns of international bodies.

The families continue to push for transparency, justice, and action, as they await the findings of the commission in the coming weeks.

END/SMA/AJ