Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem, also known as Barrister Arman, told the national parliament on Thursday that many individuals allegedly involved in enforced disappearances still occupy important positions in Bangladesh. Speaking during the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, he said these individuals are attempting to create instability in the country and must be brought to justice.

Drawing on his own experience as a former victim of enforced disappearance, Kasem became emotional while recounting the suffering of affected families. On their behalf, he presented three demands: ensuring accountability, guaranteeing the economic security of victims’ families, and preventing future occurrences of such crimes. He called for strong laws, political will, and the establishment of independent commissions on disappearances and human rights.

Kasem also mentioned testifying before the International Crimes Tribunal against powerful groups still in authority, saying witnesses face ongoing risks. He urged that justice for disappearances not become a superficial exercise reminiscent of authoritarian times and called for state recognition of victims.