Bangladesh to form directorate for victims of disappearances and killings

The Bangladesh government is establishing a new directorate under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to support victims of enforced disappearances, killings, torture, and extrajudicial executions committed during the previous Awami League administration. The initiative aims to provide medical care, legal protection, and rehabilitation for victims and their affected families.

During an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, officials discussed amending the ministry’s procedures to incorporate these new responsibilities. Khan stated that the state seeks to officially recognize the sacrifices of those who were disappeared, killed, or suffered physical disabilities and legal hardships during the struggle to restore democracy. He emphasized that this measure is intended to create a permanent prevention against the future deprivation of democratic rights.

State Minister Ishraq Hossain added that the move seeks to uphold the original spirit of the 1971 Liberation War by protecting human rights and preventing state-sponsored violence. The new directorate is intended to follow international United Nations guidelines and the national constitution to assist those who were financially and physically devastated by past political repression.