Dhaka, June 19 (V7N) — The Commission of Inquiry into Disappearances has found irrefutable evidence in 253 out of the 1,850 reported cases of disappearances. The commission’s President, Justice Mainul Islam Chowdhury, announced this at a press conference held in Gulshan on Thursday (June 19) morning.

Justice Chowdhury stated that investigations into the remaining allegations are ongoing. He revealed that more than 250 disappearances were carried out under the guise of anti-militancy operations and that these enforced disappearances were part of a systematic policy of repression targeting opposition political groups and individuals with differing viewpoints.

The commission also highlighted that victims included professionals from various fields such as students, political activists, journalists, doctors, and engineers. Some arrests were staged by sending people to India and falsely presenting them as being detained by Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies.

Justice Chowdhury further disclosed that several Indians were involved in these disappearances, but emphasized that those within the current government implicated in such actions will be brought to justice.

Other commission members clarified that the army, as an institution, is not being accused of enforced disappearances. However, individual officers from other security forces were found to be involved. The commission has also submitted a list of 131 individuals who remain missing to the police headquarters for further action.

END/MSS/AJ