Bangladesh proposes death penalty for enforced disappearance-related deaths

Bangladesh’s government has released a draft law proposing the death penalty or life imprisonment for the gravest cases of enforced disappearance, including cases in which a victim dies.

The draft Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Act, 2026, was published Monday on the Ministry of Home Affairs website and opened for public comment through July 28.

The ministry said the measure would classify enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity, strengthen investigations and provide remedies for victims.

The proposal would also punish people who aid, conceal or conspire in such crimes.

An interim government commission investigating abuses under the Sheikh Hasina regime documented 1,569 enforced disappearances between 2009 and 2024, finding that 1,282 people eventually reappeared after secret detention lasting weeks to years, while at least 251 never returned and are presumed dead, with 36 bodies recovered. The commission stressed that even this figure is a “substantial undercount” of the true scale of disappearances carried out during her rule.

Superior officers could face prosecution if they knew subordinates were involved and failed to act.

Rights advocates welcomed the move but called for stronger safeguards and consistent enforcement.

Mayer Dak, an organisation of families of enforced disappearance victims, welcomed the proposed legislation. Mayer Dak translates to Mother’s Call.

The draft will be revised after public feedback before cabinet approval, parliamentary passage and presidential assent.

Opinions can be submitted to political5@moha.gov.bd.