Enforced disappearances and murders were political decisions that involved the formation of a special team for their execution, Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam has said.
He made the statement during a meeting with families of victims of enforced disappearances and murders, organized by Mayer Dak in Tejgaon, Dhaka, on Tuesday, to exchange Eid greetings.
He said: “To carry out these inhuman actions, instructions were given to the police, RAB, and various other agencies.”
Mahfuj said: “There was a centre for torture called Aynaghor throughout the country. Countless people were victims of enforced disappearances. Many were trafficked to India, some of whom have been found in Indian jails.”
He further said that there are no accurate statistics on enforced disappearances, but efforts are underway with the help of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to create a list.
He added: “People from various political backgrounds, including BNP-Jamaat, have been victims of enforced disappearances and murders during Sheikh Hasina’s rule.”
Referring to many Awami League leaders and activists who are reportedly staying in India, the adviser said: “Sheikh Hasina is still plotting from India. The Awami League was never a political party; they were a mafia. They will not be allowed to stand politically anymore.”
Addressing the families of the victims of enforced disappearances and murders, he assured: “You will remain united, and we will stand by you—that is our commitment.”
He added: “We must succeed in our democratic journey and close the path of fascist rule by the Awami League.”
Mahfuz Alam said: “We must ensure that the culture of enforced disappearances, murders, and repression never returns to Bangladesh. We must rebuild the institutions destroyed by Sheikh Hasina and establish justice.”
He added: “Our struggle will continue until Hasina and her associates are brought to justice. Based on the proposals of the enforced disappearance commission, arrest warrants have already been issued against many individuals, and investigations are ongoing.”
Mahfuj further said: “The Awami League turned the entire country into an Aynaghor. In reality, we are experiencing our second independence.”
Questioning India’s role, he said: “Unfortunately, India is harbouring Hasina and her mafia forces. It is being heard that nearly one lakh Awami League terrorists have taken refuge in India.”
