Human rights groups and activists have condemned the rise in forced disappearances allegedly by law enforcers despite pledges by the government to bring the number to zero.
Campaigners and families blame government’s reluctance for repeated incidents of disappearance. They think the number could be reduced if the government had taken legal action against the culprits. They are also worried that the criminal code does not have provision to try law enforcers for disappearances.
According to Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), there have been at least 44 disappearances every year since 2007; the highest 88 reported last year. Victims' families allege that they were picked up by law enforcers. Thisyear, 48 people disappeared until November.
Families said mistrust and fear and a “culture of impunity” barred them from seeking justice. They do not dare going to courts, rights activists allege; when families make a move, law enforcers do not cooperate.
ASK says that a total of 21 people were abducted during 2007-2009; only three were found dead and others remain missing. The number rose to 47 in 2010, 59 in 2011, 56 in 2012 and 72 in 2013. 57 of them were later found dead, 36 freed after a stay in custody and 11 handed over to police.
Of the 88 cases last year, 23 were found dead, 12 released, one found at DB office, two sent to jail and one shown arrested. Six bodies were recovered from among the 48 disappearences this year. Four others were freed, six shown arrested.
Rehana Banu Munni, sister of Selim Reza Pintu, said after her brother’s abduction, she tried to file a GD, but they refused to comply. She finally filed the GD with a court.
Shammi Sultana Nipa, wife of missing BNP leader Khalid Hasan Sohel, has been waiting for him for over two years. He was picked up by people claiming themselves as DB members. But when contacted DB denied links.
Last week, from a press conference, the families of 19 victims demanded that their relatives be brought back soon.
National Human Rights Commission Chairman Mizanur Rahman said on Monday that such issues are negating the government’s successes.
ASK Director Nur Khan Liton said none of these incidents saw proper probe by the government. So, the culprits were not identified. “It is the government who has to prove that law enforcement agencies are not above the law.”
The government should form a probe committee with retired judges, activists and journalists, will make recommendations. “If the culture of impunity does not end, there will be a day when nobody will remain safe. Anyone can be disappeared any time,” he added.
When contacted, Home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal claimed that the law enforcers were asked to check the incidents of disappearance. He hoped that the law enforcers would be able to solve the mystery behind the incidents.