The interim government’s Advisory Council has given final approval to the draft Enforced Disappearance Prevention, Remedies, and Protection Ordinance 2025, which introduces the death penalty as the maximum punishment for the crime of enforced disappearances.
At a press briefing on Thursday (November 6) at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced the decision.
He stated that secret detention facilities—commonly referred to as “Aynaghar”—have been declared punishable under the proposed law. Establishing or operating such facilities will result in legal action.
According to the press secretary, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) will be empowered to receive and investigate complaints related to enforced disappearances. A designated tribunal must also complete trials within 120 days after a case is accepted.
The draft ordinance includes additional provisions for victim and witness protection, compensation, legal assistance, and identity confidentiality.
“This law ensures that no future government can run a regime of disappearances in the country,” Shafiqul Alam said, emphasizing that the ordinance aims to safeguard human rights and strengthen access to justice.
Draft Law Proposes Death Penalty for Enforced Disappearances
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