The government will propose introducing a special allowance for families of victims of enforced disappearance and continue legal action against those responsible to ensure justice, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Friday.
He made the remarks while addressing a national dialogue titled “Right to Compensation and Rehabilitation”, organised to mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2026 at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in the capital.
The minister said the government would place a proposal to include the special allowance in the current national budget to provide financial assistance to families affected by enforced disappearances.
“A government-funded special allowance will be introduced for the families of victims of enforced disappearance. We will submit a proposal to include the initiative in the current budget,” he said.
He said the process of bringing those responsible for enforced disappearances to justice would continue.
“Legal proceedings against those involved in enforced disappearances will continue to ensure justice for the victims. The government will stand by you in every struggle,” the minister said.
The dialogue was attended by family members of people who were subjected to enforced disappearance during previous governments. The atmosphere turned emotional as participants recalled the painful memories of losing their loved ones and shared their demands for justice, compensation and rehabilitation.
Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal, who also spoke at the event, said the focus should now shift from grief to securing justice and protecting victims’ rights.
“Now is not the time to weep; now is the time to claim our rights and ensure justice,” he said, expressing hope that the National Human Rights Commission would be strengthened and that a parliamentary committee on enforced disappearances would be formed.
Among others present at the dialogue were MPs Tahsina Rushdir Luna and Sanjida Islam Tulee, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Mohammad Aminul Islam, and representatives from various organisations.
Family members of the victims used the platform to reiterate their expectations for compensation, rehabilitation and accountability for those responsible for enforced disappearances.
