11-Party Alliance Protests Proposed Enforced Disappearance Law in Bangladesh
Photo: Prothom Alo
DHAKA, Bangladesh — Leaders of an 11-party political alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami sharply criticized Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday over a proposed law aimed at preventing enforced disappearances, demanding that an ordinance introduced by the previous interim government be retained and converted into law.
The criticism came during a program marking the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. Organizers held a rally in central Dhaka, followed by a march to Parliament, where a delegation submitted a memorandum containing 14 demands to Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.
The program was organized by the National Committee for the Prevention of Enforced Disappearances and led by former military officer Hasinur Rahman, who has been described as a former detainee of Bangladesh’s secret detention system known as the “Aynaghar,” or “House of Mirrors.”
Most participants, however, were leaders and activists from parties belonging to the 11-party alliance.
Speaking at the rally in the Banglamotor area, Rahman called for the prosecution of those responsible for enforced disappearances and criticized the proposed legislation.
He accused the government of drafting a law that could make it difficult for victims to file cases and questioned why the ordinance introduced during the interim administration needed to be replaced.
“Changes should still be made,” Rahman said, warning of political consequences if the concerns were ignored.
Several opposition figures addressed the gathering, including retired Maj. Akhtaruzzaman, former diplomat Sakib Ali, former military officer Ferdous Aziz, Jamaat leader and alliance coordinator A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad and Labour Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman.
Akhtaruzzaman called for the home minister’s resignation before demanding accountability for enforced disappearances.
March to Parliament
After the initial rally, participants began marching from Banglamotor shortly before 4 p.m. The procession included Jamaat Secretary-General Mia Golam Parwar, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Secretary-General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmed and leaders and activists from other alliance parties.
Protesters carried placards with messages opposing enforced disappearances and chanted slogans calling for an end to secret detention centers and political repression.
The march passed through Karwan Bazar, Farmgate and Khamarbari before ending near Parliament on Manik Mia Avenue, where a second rally was held.
Concerns over investigation powers
At the rally outside Parliament, Golam Parwar objected to provisions that would place responsibility for investigating enforced disappearance allegations with the police.
He argued that institutions accused of involvement in such cases should not have control over investigations and called for the interim government’s ordinance to remain in force.
Haidur Rahman Azad said the proposed legislation was weaker than the ordinance introduced by the interim administration and would not effectively prevent enforced disappearances.
Jalaluddin Ahmed, secretary-general of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, also criticized the government, alleging that the proposed legal framework could leave the country vulnerable to future abuses.
Jamaat lawmakers Rafiqul Islam Khan and Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem also criticized the proposed legislation, arguing that it would weaken efforts to prevent enforced disappearances and limit the effectiveness of a proposed human rights commission.
National Citizen Party lawmaker Atik Mojahid said investigations should not be conducted by institutions whose members could potentially face allegations in disappearance cases.
Jamaat lawmaker Rokeya Begum said opposition parties would seek to play a role in opposing the proposed legislation.
Memorandum submitted to speaker
Following the rally, a delegation led by Hasinur Rahman entered Parliament and submitted a memorandum containing 14 demands to Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.
The delegation included Jamaat’s secretary-general and several lawmakers. The rally continued outside Parliament while the delegation met with the speaker.
Other speakers included leaders from Khelafat Andolon, the Development Party and Jamaat’s Dhaka North unit.
The delegation emerged from Parliament shortly before 6 p.m.
In his closing remarks, Rahman said the delegation was satisfied with its meeting with the speaker.
“He listened carefully to all of our points and did not disagree with us,” Rahman said. “He assured us that he would make every possible effort regarding our demands.”
There was no immediate public response from the speaker’s office or the government regarding the alliance’s 14-point memorandum.
