Forced Disappearances in recent years, Bangladesh has witnessed a troubling rise in forced disappearances, a phenomenon casting a dark shadow over the administration of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Human rights organizations and families of the victims have continuously voiced concerns about people who were abducted under questionable circumstances and remain missing to this day. These disappearances, often attributed to law enforcement agencies or security forces, have raised significant questions about government accountability and human rights standards in Bangladesh.
Forced disappearances represent one of the gravest violations of human rights, as families are left without closure or justice. In Bangladesh, the stories of missing individuals highlight systemic issues around governance, legal protections, and political freedoms. This article explores the ongoing crisis of disappearances in Bangladesh, the government’s response, international perspectives, and the urgent need for transparency and justice.
2. The Rising Incidence of Forced Disappearances
Reports from organizations like Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International suggest that hundreds of people have disappeared under the Hasina government, especially during heightened political conflicts or security operations. Although many cases have targeted individuals suspected of opposing the ruling party or engaging in political dissent, others involve human rights activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens with no apparent political affiliation.
In most instances, families report that individuals were last seen being taken away by plainclothes personnel, often linked to elite security units like the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) or Detective Branch. Once detained, the missing individuals often face prolonged incommunicado detention, torture, or, in the worst cases, extrajudicial killings. This escalation has created a climate of fear, discouraging citizens from openly criticizing the government.
3. Legal Framework and Government Stance on Disappearances
Bangladesh is a signatory to international human rights conventions, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which obligates it to uphold human rights standards and prohibit torture and enforced disappearances. However, there is no specific national legislation criminalizing enforced disappearances, creating legal loopholes that prevent accountability for these acts. 
for the more information click on this link
The government has repeatedly denied allegations of state-sponsored abductions. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration maintains that many of the reported disappearances involve individuals who fled to avoid legal prosecution or have been located in other countries. However, despite these claims, the lack of transparent investigations and judicial recourse for the victims’ families has perpetuated a sense of impunity and distrust.
4. Profiles of Victims and the Toll on Families
The victims of forced disappearances come from a wide cross-section of Bangladeshi society. They include political activists, journalists, academics, and occasionally, even bystanders caught in politically motivated actions. High-profile cases have drawn attention, but countless ordinary citizens have vanished, leaving families in anguish.
Families of the missing often face severe psychological and financial hardships. Without any information on the whereabouts of their loved ones, these families are left in a constant state of limbo. Legal recourse is also difficult, as pursuing justice through Bangladesh’s legal system can be financially draining and may lead to intimidation or harassment by authorities.
5. International Condemnation and Pressure on the Hasina Government
International organizations and human rights groups have been vocal in condemning the forced disappearances in Bangladesh. The United Nations, European Union, and U.S. State Department have all called on the Bangladeshi government to investigate these cases thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Countries like the United States have gone so far as to impose sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and several officials associated with it. The U.S. Department of Treasury’s sanctions in 2021 against the RAB and seven officials under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act were a direct response to the organization’s alleged role in human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances. Despite this international scrutiny, substantive action to address the root causes and ensure accountability has been limited.
6. Civil Society and Media: Advocates for the Missing
Bangladesh’s civil society, including journalists, human rights advocates, and lawyers, has played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of the disappeared and keeping their stories alive in the public domain. Human rights organizations like Odhikar have consistently documented cases of disappearances, despite facing governmental repression, including arrests and threats to their leadership.
Independent media and journalists in Bangladesh also persist in their efforts to report on cases of forced disappearances. However, this work is increasingly risky; the government has cracked down on press freedoms through measures like the Digital Security Act (DSA), which criminalizes online content deemed “anti-state” or “propagandistic.” This restrictive environment has hampered open discussions around forced disappearances, further marginalizing victims’ families.
7. Case Studies: Stories of Those Still Missing
Several high-profile cases serve as emblematic examples of Bangladesh’s forced disappearance crisis:
- Iqbal Mahmud: A student activist, Iqbal was allegedly abducted in 2018, with witnesses reporting that he was taken away by men in plain clothes. His family has filed numerous complaints, but his whereabouts remain unknown.
- Musa Ibrahim: Known for his political connections, Musa was reportedly taken from his home by unknown men in 2017. Despite media coverage and efforts by his family, the government has provided no substantive information regarding his disappearance.
- Sajedul Islam Sumon: A political activist, Sumon was reportedly detained by security forces in 2013. Multiple eyewitness accounts place him in police custody before he vanished, yet his family has been denied closure or answers.
These stories are merely a fraction of the larger issue, highlighting the challenges faced by families and advocates trying to bring these cases to light. 
for the more information click on this link
8. Government Reforms and Proposed Solutions
To address the issue of forced disappearances, human rights groups and international observers have recommended several reforms:
- Implementing National Legislation Against Disappearances: Bangladesh could strengthen legal protections by criminalizing enforced disappearances, creating clear avenues for investigation and accountability.
- Strengthening Independent Investigative Bodies: Establishing an independent commission to investigate disappearances could provide impartial oversight and address cases systematically.
- Training Security Personnel in Human Rights Standards: To prevent abuses, it is critical for the Bangladeshi government to train security personnel on human rights protocols and best practices, ensuring that law enforcement respects civil liberties.
- Engaging with the International Community for Support and Oversight: Transparent cooperation with international bodies could help the government rebuild trust and establish its commitment to human rights.
9. Conclusion: The Urgent Need for Accountability and Justice
The ongoing issue of forced disappearances in Bangladesh highlights the precarious state of human rights and rule of law in the country. As families of the missing continue to seek justice, the government has an ethical and legal responsibility to address these cases with transparency and fairness. International pressure, civil society advocacy, and domestic reforms are essential in this fight for accountability.
By addressing these disappearances, Bangladesh can take a significant step toward restoring the rights and dignity of its citizens. A future free from fear and suppression is the hope of every family awaiting the return of their loved ones, and it is a goal that the Bangladeshi government must work earnestly to achieve. ALSO READ:- Chinese President Xi Jinping Calls for Military Reforms: Combating Corruption and Bolstering War Readiness 2024