Bangladesh Set to Join International Pact on Enforced Disappearances

Bangladesh is preparing to sign the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, a senior official from the interim government announced on Wednesday. The signing is expected to occur before August 30, with the council aiming to ratify it by the same date, according to Chief Adviser's press secretary Shafiqul Alam.

Investigations into Forced Disappearances

The interim government is considering establishing a commission to investigate forced disappearances. Many individuals went missing during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, Alam stated at the Foreign Service Academy. He mentioned that human rights organisation Odhikar estimates around 700 people have disappeared in Bangladesh.

Alam noted that while some missing individuals have returned or were found dead, over 150 remain unaccounted for. He clarified that most cases occurred between 2009 and 2024, during Sheikh Hasina's administration. The interim government is committed to investigating each case thoroughly.

International Convention Details

The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance came into effect on December 23, 2010. According to the UN Human Rights website, 75 states are parties to the convention, with 40 signatories and 82 in the No Action category. Article 1 of the Convention states that no one shall be subjected to enforced disappearance under any circumstances.

Article 2 defines enforced disappearance as arrest, detention, abduction, or any form of deprivation of liberty by state agents or persons acting with state support. This includes refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty or concealment of the disappeared person's fate or whereabouts.

Political Turmoil and Student Protests

Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India on August 5 amid unprecedented student-led protests against her government. The interim government replaced her administration, appointing Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as Chief Adviser. The interim government plans to try those involved in recent killings during student protests in the International Crimes Tribunal.

Violence erupted across Bangladesh following Hasina's resignation, resulting in over 230 deaths and raising the total death toll to more than 600 since mid-July. The protests began over a controversial quota system in government jobs.

The International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances is observed on August 30. Bangladesh's commitment to signing and ratifying the international convention underscores its dedication to addressing enforced disappearances and upholding human rights standards.