The government has established a commission to investigate allegations of enforced disappearances carried out by law enforcement agencies such as RAB, police, and DGFI during Sheikh Hasina's 15-year administration.

On Tuesday, the Cabinet Division announced the formation of the five-member commission under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1956.

Retired Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury will lead the commission, with retired additional High Court judge Md Farid Ahmed Shibli, human rights activist Mohammad Nur Khan, BRAC University teacher Nabila Idris, and human rights activist Sajjad Hossain serving as members.

The commission is tasked with investigating cases of enforced disappearances involving members of the Bangladesh Police, Rapid Action Battalion, Border Guard Bangladesh, Criminal Investigation Department, Special Branch, Detective Branch, Ansar Battalion, National Security Intelligence (NSI), and Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI).

During the Awami League administration, there was significant public outcry over allegations of extrajudicial killings, abductions by law enforcement personnel, and cases where individuals went missing or were found dead after being taken into custody.

Media reports also highlighted claims of torture during detention, prolonged secret imprisonment, and accusations against DGFI for operating a covert torture facility known as 'Ayna Ghor' or ‘house of mirrors’.

Since assuming office on August 8, the interim government has consistently discussed the establishment of a commission to investigate these disappearances.

The government has also expressed its intention to sign the United Nations International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

In his national address on Monday, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus stated that individuals responsible for crimes such as disappearances, killings, and torture under the previous Awami League administration would be identified and held accountable.

He stated, "The fascist government's extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, abductions, and atrocities like those committed at 'Ayna Ghor' will be thoroughly investigated, and justice will be served."

He added, "A list will be compiled, false cases will be dismissed, and those involved in corruption and asset smuggling will be prosecuted."

The commission is tasked with investigating disappearances that occurred between January 1, 2010, and August 5, 2024. Its responsibilities include identifying the missing individuals and determining the circumstances of their disappearances.

According to a Cabinet Division notification, the commission is also required to submit a detailed report on the enforced disappearances to the relevant authorities and provide recommendations. Families of the forcibly disappeared individuals will be informed if they are located.

The commission may gather information from investigations conducted by other organizations or institutions. It has 45 working days to complete its investigation and submit its findings to the government.

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