The recently published report by the Commission for Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances paints a harrowing picture of systematic injustice, institutional betrayal, and prolonged suffering endured by survivors of enforced disappearances and their families. These revelations are a stark reminder of the failure to uphold basic human rights under Sheikh Hasina’s regime, raising urgent concerns about governance, accountability, and the rule of law in Bangladesh. This editorial argues that the government must not only ensure justice but also extend comprehensive support to the victims and their families to address the multidimensional toll of enforced disappearances.

The stigma that survivors of enforced disappearances endure is among the most debilitating aspects of their plight. According to the report, victims are often labelled as criminals—falsely accused of crimes, sometimes under fabricated charges—which perpetuates their suffering even after they return. Law enforcement agencies have been accused of compounding this stigma by obstructing justice, refusing to investigate disappearances, and dismissing cases with baseless claims.

This systematic denial of justice is a direct violation of the victims’ fundamental rights. The judicial system, rather than serving as a beacon of hope, has often failed these individuals. ‘Habeas Corpus’ petitions rarely move beyond initial filings, and rulings by lower courts often appear to reinforce the status quo. The reliance of these courts on law enforcement—many of whose members have been implicated in the very crimes under scrutiny—highlights a disturbing cycle of impunity and institutional complicity.

The consequences of enforced disappearances extend far beyond the initial trauma. Many victims face economic devastation upon their return. The stigma associated with their disappearances often leads to job loss, alienation from their communities, and an inability to reintegrate into society. As the report highlights, these individuals are not only left to grapple with psychological scars but also financial ruin. Legal battles to clear their names deplete their limited resources, leaving them in a precarious state.

For families, the prolonged absence of their loved ones often results in economic and emotional hardship. Breadwinners vanish, leaving dependents to fend for themselves. In cases where victims do not return, families are left in an agonizing limbo, unable to obtain closure or justice. The systemic failure to address these disappearances amplifies the trauma, perpetuating cycles of poverty and despair.

Survivors who manage to return alive face persistent threats and intimidation. Many are coerced into silence, unable to share their experiences or seek accountability due to fear of retribution. The absence of due process, coupled with a lack of judicial safeguards, emboldens perpetrators and leaves victims without avenues for redress. This climate of fear undermines the very fabric of democracy and the rule of law in Bangladesh.

The government’s role in addressing enforced disappearances has been woefully inadequate. By refusing to acknowledge the gravity of these crimes and obstructing investigations, the authorities have shown a troubling disregard for human rights. “Orders from above” have been cited as excuses for inaction, revealing the entrenched nature of this issue within the state apparatus.

The government’s role in addressing enforced disappearances has been woefully inadequate. By refusing to acknowledge the gravity of these crimes and obstructing investigations, the authorities have shown a troubling disregard for human rights.

This institutional complicity is not only a moral failing but also a violation of Bangladesh’s international obligations. As a signatory to numerous human rights conventions, the state has a duty to protect its citizens from such gross violations and to ensure accountability for perpetrators.

The findings of the report underscore the urgent need for restorative justice. This begins with acknowledging the victims’ suffering and taking concrete steps to address their grievances. The government must establish an independent commission to investigate all cases of enforced disappearances, free from political influence and interference. Such a body must have the authority to hold perpetrators accountable, regardless of their rank or position.

Victims and their families must be offered financial compensation for their losses and access to free legal aid to navigate the judicial system. This support is essential for rebuilding their lives and restoring their dignity. The government must strengthen the judiciary to act independently of political and law enforcement pressures. Special tribunals may be established to expedite cases of enforced disappearances and provide swift justice.

The government should develop comprehensive rehabilitation programs that include psychological counselling, vocational training, and financial assistance. These measures are crucial for helping survivors reintegrate into society and regain their livelihoods. The state can implement robust oversight mechanisms to prevent abuses of power by law enforcement agencies. This includes mandatory training on human rights and regular audits to ensure accountability. Launching nationwide campaigns to combat the stigma associated with enforced disappearances and to educate the public about their rights can help create an environment of support and solidarity for victims.

Last But Not Least

The issue of enforced disappearances is not just a human rights crisis but a moral and political imperative for Bangladesh. The government’s failure to act undermines public trust in state institutions and erodes the principles of justice and democracy. By addressing this issue head-on, the state has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

For the victims and their families, justice cannot come soon enough. Their voices, silenced for too long, must be heard. Their pain, ignored for too long, must be acknowledged. The government’s primary responsibility is to its citizens, and it must act decisively to ensure that such egregious violations are never repeated.

The report states, “The cumulative psychological, social, and financial toll on the victims highlights the urgent need for restorative justice, systemic reforms, and comprehensive support.” Let this serve as a clarion call for action, not only for the sake of the victims but for the future of justice and accountability in Bangladesh.

The government must rise to this challenge, acknowledging the past wrongs and working tirelessly to create a future where every citizen feels protected and valued. Anything less would be a disservice to the victims and a betrayal of the nation’s ideals.