Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the BNP government has not forcibly disappeared anyone, and will not allow anyone to be forcibly disappeared in the future. He said the new anti-enforced-disappearance law can help ensure human rights and justice in the country.
He made the remarks Sunday, August 30, at a discussion on International Enforced Disappearance Day, organized by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs at the China Friendship Conference Center in the capital.
The home minister said Sheikh Hasina shows no remorse over incidents of enforced disappearance. Instead, he said, the events of July are being described as a “militant attack.” He called this a globally shameful act.
He said the country’s pro-democracy people are united against Sheikh Hasina. At the same time, he said, the Awami League will also be held accountable for trial as a political party.
Recalling that he himself was a victim of enforced disappearance, the home minister said: “Having been a victim of enforced disappearance myself, could I possibly want this law to be weak?” He said the BNP government has not disappeared anyone, and will not allow anyone to be disappeared in the future.
On the opposition’s boycott of and walkout from parliamentary standing committee meetings, he said walking out is not a solution. Rather, he said, every issue should be discussed. If lawmakers walk out without speaking or listening, the nation is deprived of hearing their views.
Noting that the constitution would be amended in line with the July Charter, he said implementing the July Charter would fulfill the public’s expectations.
The home minister further said the anti-enforced-disappearance law has been made stronger than before. He said this law can help ensure human rights and justice. He said that if victims of enforced disappearance file cases, the government will make every effort to ensure they receive justice.