International Day of the Disappeared observed with calls for justice

The International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances is being observed today, August 30, across the globe and in Bangladesh. Families of those who went missing under mysterious circumstances have gathered to demand the immediate return of their loved ones. For years, parents, children, and spouses have been waiting in agony, hoping for any news about their missing family members.

The United Nations adopted an international convention against enforced disappearances in December 2006, and the day has been officially observed since 2010. In Bangladesh, human rights organizations report that hundreds of people became victims of enforced disappearance over the past years, leaving their families in prolonged trauma and uncertainty.

Following the recent political transition in Bangladesh, the platform 'Mayer Daak' has renewed its demands for justice. The interim government has taken a significant step by forming a high-level inquiry commission to investigate these incidents. Additionally, the government has decided to sign the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

Human rights activists emphasize that identifying the perpetrators and bringing them to justice is crucial to ending this culture of impunity. Alongside finding the missing individuals, the state must provide support to the affected families. Ensuring that no citizen ever faces such a fate again remains the ultimate goal of observing this day.