The number of secret detention centers, known as "Aynaghar," across Bangladesh could be between 700 and 800, according to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

He made this remark at a press briefing on Wednesday (Feb 12), at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. 

The briefing followed Chief Adviser’s visit to three secret detention facilities in Kachukhet, Agargaon, and Uttara earlier in the day.

Shafiqul Alam said that the chief adviser visited these locations at 10:30 am, accompanied by six advisers, the head of the Commission on Enforced Disappearances, five commission members, and eight individuals who were previously victims of enforced disappearance. Journalists were also present during the visit.

He said among the three facilities inspected, two were reportedly operated by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and one by the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). 

He said that efforts are underway to locate all such facilities across the country.

"According to information from the Commission on Enforced Disappearances, the number of Aynaghar facilities is estimated to be between 700 and 800. These centers were not only in Dhaka but also in remote areas across the country," he said.

He also said that Human Rights Watch had been informed by security officials that the disappearances and killings were carried out under the direct orders of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Alam further said that all individuals involved in disappearances and killings during the July-August uprising would be brought to justice.

Deputy Press Secretaries Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad and Apurba Jahangir were also present at the briefing.

BDST: 1828 HRS, FEB 12, 2025
MSK