Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir demanded justice for 241 of its leaders and activists it says were victims of enforced disappearance and called for the whereabouts of seven members still missing. At a Sunday press conference at Madhur Canteen of Dhaka University, held for the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, the group also sought independent investigations into allegations against law-enforcement personnel.

In a written statement, Nurul Islam Saddam named the seven missing members and said authorities had not acknowledged detaining them despite more than a decade having passed in some cases. He cited the final report of the commission investigating disappearances, claiming it verified 1,569 cases and included 241 Chhatra Shibir members among victims identified by political affiliation. The organisation also alleged that more cases were not formally reported because of fear, insecurity, trauma and people being abroad.

The group alleged killings after disappearances, torture, political cases and abuse during detention. It demanded independent inquiries, prosecution of those involved, compensation and rehabilitation for victims’ families, legal reforms, and full independent investigative powers for the National Human Rights Commission over complaints against security forces.