Published: 07:15 AM, 04 July 2025
Action if army personnel found guilty of 'enforced disappearances': Headquarters
The Bangladesh Army has pledged to take 'strict action' if any serving or former member of the army is found to have been involved in enforced disappearances during the tenure of the previous government.
Col Md Shafiqul Islam, colonel staff at the Directorate of Military Operations, made the statement during a press conference at the cantonment officers' mess on Thursday.
He said, "When army personnel are on deputation, we don't have direct control over them. However, investigations are ongoing. If anyone is proved involved in enforced disappearances, the army will take action."
Replying to a question, he said ahead of the next general election, the army is working to ensure a stable situation in the country. Colonel Shafiqul said 80 percent of the looted arms have already been recovered and expressed the hope that the remaining weapons would also be retrieved soon. Around 12,000 arms had gone missing, of which approximately 9,000 have been recovered so far, he added.
In August 2024, the government formed a commission led by retired justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury to investigate allegations of enforced disappearances involving law enforcing agencies during the Awami League administration. The commission submitted its second interim report on Jun 4. The report said most disappearances were carried out by the police and several intelligence agencies.
