Staff Correspondent
The interim government’s Advisory Council has given policy approval to the draft of the Enforced Disappearance Prevention, Remedies and Protection Ordinance, 2025. The proposed law includes stringent punishments, with the maximum penalty being death sentence for those involved in enforced disappearances.
The decision was taken on Thursday at the 40th meeting of the Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at his Tejgaon office in Dhaka. Later, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed the media at the Foreign Service Academy.
He said the draft defines enforced disappearance as a continuing crime and incorporates provisions for severe punishment. Secret detention centers would be declared a punishable offense, while the National Human Rights Commission would be empowered to receive and investigate complaints.
The draft also proposes the establishment of special tribunals, mandatory completion of trials within 120 days of framing charges, protection of victims, informants, and witnesses, as well as provisions for compensation and legal assistance for victims.
In addition, the meeting approved proposals to shut down three land ports and suspend operations at another.
Shafiqul Alam noted that the ordinance has so far received only policy approval. Further discussions will take place before final approval.