Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said the government would propose introducing a special allowance for families of victims of enforced disappearances and ensure justice by bringing those responsible to trial.
"We will propose the introduction of a special government allowance for the families of victims of enforced disappearances," he said.
The minister made the remarks while addressing a national dialogue titled Right to Compensation and Rehabilitation at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital.
Marking the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2026, he said the government would place a proposal to include the allowance for families of disappeared persons in the national budget.
"Legal proceedings against those responsible for enforced disappearances will continue to ensure justice for the victims and their families. The government will stand beside you in every struggle to secure your rights and justice," Fakhrul added.
Family members of people subjected to enforced disappearances during the Awami League government attended the dialogue, where many shared emotional accounts of losing their loved ones, creating a sombre atmosphere.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament Barrister Kayser Kamal said the time had come not for tears but for securing the rights of victims and ensuring justice.
He also expressed hope that the National Human Rights Commission would be further strengthened and that a parliamentary committee on enforced disappearances would be formed.
Lawmakers Tahsina Rushdir Luna and Sanzida Islam Tuli, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Md Aminul Islam, and representatives from various sectors attended the dialogue.
During the programme, relatives of the disappeared called for compensation, rehabilitation and justice, urging the government to take effective measures to address their long-standing grievances.
