Bangladesh Army Probes Alleged Involvement in Enforced Disappearances

The Bangladesh Army announced an investigation into allegations of involvement by military personnel in enforced disappearances. Colonel Shafiqul Islam confirmed this at a press briefing. The investigation follows claims that officers on deputation in various agencies might have been involved. The military assures cooperation with victim families during this probe.

The Bangladesh Army has initiated a probe into assertions that some of its personnel were implicated in enforced disappearances. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Colonel Staff of the Military Operations Directorate, Shafiqul Islam, said they are determined to ensure accountability and take appropriate action against those found culpable.

The allegations concern several officers allegedly involved during their deputations to other organizations. Past reports from a commission, established by interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, point to possible individual misconduct rather than institutional involvement by the military branches.

The United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances has recently called on Bangladesh to address this issue persistently, urging greater accountability from its military, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies.

(With inputs from agencies.)