BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that the culture of enforced disappearances must end in order to uphold human rights in Bangladesh.

In a statement issued on the occasion of the International Week of the Disappeared, he expressed solidarity with the families of victims who remain missing.

From 2009 to March 2024, around 666 people have reportedly been subjected to enforced disappearance by law enforcement agencies,” Tarique said.

He said the actual number of disappeared persons is much higher than what has been officially recorded. “Most of them are still missing. Some bodies have been recovered, and some were shown arrested long after their disappearance. This reflects the cruel misrule under the Awami League government.”

Tarique said the majority of victims are opposition leaders, activists, and supporters. Businesspeople, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens have also been victims of enforced disappearances.

To protect human rights, the practice of enforced disappearances must stop, he stressed.

“I express my solidarity with the families of the disappeared during this international week. I urge the state to take strong steps so that no more people become victims of enforced disappearance,” Tarique said.

He further called on all concerned to remain vocal against such inhuman acts allegedly backed by the state, and extended sympathy to the victims and families of enforced disappearances across the world, beyond political beliefs or national borders.

MSK/