Bangladesh Cabinet approves draft law against enforced disappearances

Bangladesh’s Cabinet has granted in-principle and final approval to a draft law that would make enforced disappearance a distinct criminal offense and impose penalties of up to death or life imprisonment.

The draft Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Act was approved during a regular Cabinet meeting at the Secretariat chaired by Prime Minister Tariq Rahman.

Under the proposed law, enforced disappearance would be classified as cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable. The maximum standard punishment would be life imprisonment and a fine.

If a victim dies because of an enforced disappearance, or remains missing for more than five years, a convicted offender could face the death penalty or life imprisonment. The law would also allow a maximum fine of 1 crore taka, approximately $80,760.

The Cabinet’s approval advances the draft toward formal enactment.