Dhaka: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Wednesday criticised the government’s decision to allow only one day for stakeholders to submit opinions on the draft Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Act, 2026, calling the consultation process a “mockery.”
According to United News of Bangladesh, the draft law was uploaded to the Ministry of Home Affairs website on July 27, with stakeholders asked to submit their views by July 28, a timeframe TIB described as inadequate for meaningful public participation. The anti-corruption watchdog expressed concern over the trend of rushing important legislation through Parliament, highlighting the passage of the Invest Bangladesh Act, 2026 as an example. TIB warned that the same approach could be applied to the proposed enforced disappearance law.
TIB urged the government to extend the consultation period by at least two weeks and ensure effective participation of victims of enforced disappearance and other relevant stakeholders. It called for the draft to be revised through an inclusive process that incorporates received recommendations.
In its statement, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman acknowledged positive provisions in the draft law, such as recognising enforced disappearance as a criminal and continuing offence, holding senior officials accountable, and rejecting state security as a justification for enforced disappearance. However, he criticised the limited consultation period, noting it reflects a lack of goodwill in seeking input from victims and stakeholders. Dr. Iftekharuzzaman raised concerns about recent violations of parliamentary procedures in passing important laws, suggesting a similar practice might be applied to this draft law.
He questioned the feasibility of a subordinate investigating officer preparing an ‘interim report’ against a superior officer, as outlined in Section 15 of the draft law. The provision allowing a magistrate to discharge a senior official if no satisfactory evidence is found could ensure protection for the accused and maintain authoritarian practices. Such provisions would allow the Ministries of Home Affairs and Law to control cases of enforced disappearance, shaping the government’s narrative as the official account.
TIB highlighted that many leaders and activists from both ruling and opposition parties have been victims of enforced disappearance in the past, with the fate of many remaining unknown. The organisation urged the government to conduct broad-based consultations with victims and stakeholders to align the legislation with international best practices, ensuring an effective legal framework for preventing and remedying enforced disappearances.