Public notice to be issued to trace enforced disappearance victims

The commission formed to investigate the cases of enforced disappearances during the previous Awami League government has decided to issue a public notice to aid in the search for missing persons.

This decision was made during the commission's first meeting, held on Sunday (September 8), as confirmed by a press release from the commission. 

The meeting, chaired by commission chairman Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, took place at the commission's office at Gulshan in the capital.

The commission, composed of members from various government law enforcement and intelligence agencies, including Bangladesh Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh, and the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), aims to trace individuals who were reportedly victims of enforced disappearance by members of these agencies, including the Coast Guard.

During the meeting, it was decided that a public notice would be issued to gather information and facilitate the search for missing persons. The commission will operate from 10:00am to 6:00pm daily, excluding government holidays.

The cabinet division issued the notification to form this five-member commission, led by retired Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, on August 27. The commission is tasked with investigating and identifying the circumstances surrounding enforced disappearances that occurred between January 1, 2010, and August 5, 2010, through law enforcement agencies.

As per the 'Commission of Inquiry Act, 1956,' the commission is required to submit its investigation report to the government within 45 working days.