Approximately 1,600 complaints had been submitted to the commission investigating enforced disappearances as of October 31.
Among these, 400 complaints have been reviewed, and the remaining ones are being examined gradually. Statements have been taken from 140 complainants out of the 400.
During a press conference in the conference room of the commission's office in Gulshan, the Chairperson of the commission on enforced disappearances, Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, shared this information on Tuesday.
Of the 400 complaints, 172 are linked to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). Involvement from the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit has been found in 37 complaints. The Detective Branch (DB) is linked to 55 complaints, and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DGFI) is linked to 26. Various police units are associated with 25 complaints.
The remaining complaints have been categorized as others, where the identities were not disclosed. It was only mentioned that they were taken away under the pretext of law enforcement agencies.
The chairperson of the commission stated that seven members from various law enforcement agencies involved in disappearances have been summoned for questioning. Other accused individuals will also be called in gradually.
Commission member Noor Khan Liton said that it is unimaginable how brutally people have been tortured.
Commission member Dr Nabila Idris said that four reasons for enforced disappearances have been identified so far. A large number of people have been taken for political reasons. Although unproven, a significant number have been taken under suspicion of terrorism. Additionally, individuals have disappeared for business and family reasons as well.
The government formed this commission on August 27, with the opportunity to report cases of enforced disappearances occurring from January 6, 2009, to August 5, 2024.
The deadline for submitting complaints to the commission regarding enforced disappearances ended on October 31. However, anyone can still submit complaints if they wish.