Sheikh Hasina linked to forced disappearances, commission calls for RAB‍‍`s dissolution

A new report from the commission investigating forced disappearances has revealed serious accusations against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 

The commission has also recommended disbanding the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) for its role in violating human rights.

Led by retired Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, the five-member commission submitted its findings on December 14 at the State Guest House Jamuna, where they presented their report to the Chief Advisor.

Titled Unfolding the Truth, the report states that the commission has reviewed 1,676 complaints so far and plans to verify 758 of them.

In addition to Sheikh Hasina, the commission found that several high-ranking officials from her administration were involved in the disappearances.

Among those named are former defense advisor Major General (Retd) Tariq Ahmed Siddique, ex-director general of the National Telecommunications Monitoring Centre (NTMC) Major General Ziaul Ahsan, and police officers Md Monirul Islam and Mohammad Harun Ar Rashid.

The commission has recommended that legal action be taken against those responsible for the disappearances and that RAB be disbanded.

Chairman Moinul Islam Chowdhury explained that the officials involved made it very difficult to track down their actions. 

He said different forces exchanged victims and carried out their plans in multiple ways to avoid detection.

Many of the victims, according to the commission, are still struggling with the trauma of the torture they faced and continue to live in fear.

The Chief Advisor, in his final remarks, promised to ensure the safety and justice of the victims. 

After his assurance, the commission received even more reports. The commission members then requested Professor Yunus visit the "Ainaghar," also known as the Joint Interrogation Cell, believing it would bring comfort to the victims.

“We believe if you visit Ainaghar, the victims will feel safer,” they told the Chief Advisor. He agreed to the request and said he would visit the site soon.

He thanked the commission members for their interim report and assured them of full support to continue their work.

Chairman Moinul Islam Chowdhury announced that the commission will provide another interim report in March, and that it will take at least another year to complete the final report.

The meeting was also attended by retired High Court Division Justice Md. Farid Ahmed Shibli, human rights activists Nur Khan, BRAC University teacher Nabila Idris, and human rights worker Sajjad Hossain. 

Also present were Adilur Rahman Khan, an advisor to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, and Sharmeen S. Murshid, an advisor to the Ministry of Social Welfare and Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.