Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called for investigations into enforced disappearances under the draft Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Act, 2026 to be handled by an independent institution rather than police. In a statement reported on July 29, TIB said the Home Ministry uploaded the draft on July 27 and set July 28 as the deadline for comments, describing the one-day consultation period as a farce. The group demanded at least two additional weeks for feedback.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the draft contains positive provisions, including recognition of disappearance as a distinct and continuing criminal offence and accountability for senior officials and those giving orders. However, he said the limited consultation period showed a lack of government willingness to gather views from victims and relevant stakeholders.

TIB questioned whether police could conduct impartial investigations given specific allegations that sections of police, intelligence, security agencies and law-enforcement forces were involved in most disappearance cases. It also raised concerns over provisions in Article 15, saying they could shield accused senior officials. The organisation urged revisions based on stakeholder recommendations and international best practices.