The advisory council of interim government has given in principle approval to the draft of the ” Enforced Disappearance Prevention, and Redress Ordinance 2025″, which proposes the death penalty for those found guilty of committing enforced disappearances.
The draft received preliminary approval during the council’s 40th meeting, held on Thursday morning at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.
Following the meeting, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Shafiqul Alam, briefed the media at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, outlining key provisions of the proposed law.
According to Shafiqul Alam, the draft ordinance defines enforced disappearance as a continuing offence and introduces stringent punishments, including the death penalty. The establishment or use of secret detention facilities would also be considered a criminal act under the new law.
The ordinance also proposes granting the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) the authority to receive and investigate complaints related to enforced disappearances.
Additional provisions include the formation of a special tribunal for disappearance-related cases, a mandatory 120-day trial completion period following indictment, and the protection of victims, informants, and witnesses. It also guarantees compensation and legal aid for victims.
“This is only a policy approval,” said Shafiqul Alam. “Further discussions will follow before the draft is brought back for final approval.”