Enforced Disappearances Commission gets 3.5 months more time

Relatives with photos of enforced disappearance vistims of Bangladesh. UNB_11zon

The government on Tuesday extended the term of the Enforced Disappearances Inquiry Commission by another three and a half months.

The commission, formed to investigate the enforced disappearances of people allegedly carried out by law enforcement agencies under the ousted Awami League government, will now remain operational until 30 June, according to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division with effect from March 15.

Initially, the commission was tasked with investigating disappearances between January 6, 2009 and August 5 of 024.

The commission was formed on August 27 for this purpose, and a subsequent amendment to its responsibilities and the deadline for submitting the report was made on September 15.

The commission is led by retired High Court Division Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury and comprises five members.

According to the terms of its mandate, the commission was required to complete its investigation and submit a report to the government within three months.

However, this deadline was extended, with the original term concluding on March 14.

The commission was focusing on cases involving members of law enforcement, disciplinary forces, intelligence agencies, and other associated bodies, who, with the consent or support of the AL government, were suspected of forcibly disappearing individuals.

The commission was working to identify the victims, ascertain the circumstances of their disappearances, and collect relevant information from their families, as well as from any individuals, agencies, or organisations involved. - UNB