Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the BNP government wants to introduce a law on enforced disappearances that ensures justice for every victim and punishment for offenders. He made the remarks on Saturday, August 29, at an exhibition and discussion organised by Mayer Dak at the National Museum in Shahbagh. He said the proposed Enforced Disappearance Remedies Act 2026 has been placed in parliament.

Ahmed said the draft addresses penalties for different forms of enforced disappearance and sets out who will investigate cases and how investigations will be conducted. He said victims would be able to approach courts directly, a provision he said was absent from the disappearance commission. The proposal also provides for heirs to receive a missing victim’s assets if the person cannot be found.

The minister said the state could provide compensation if those responsible are ultimately unable to pay it. Acknowledging that the law may contain flaws, he said it could be amended. Ahmed, who said he was himself a victim of enforced disappearance, argued that the law should remain regardless of which government is in power. He also said victims had faced disregard and mockery over the past two years.