Islami Andolon Bangladesh has demanded that the National Human Rights Commission, rather than police, investigate enforced disappearances. The party’s secretary general, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, made the demand at a regular party meeting on Tuesday at its central office in Purana Paltan, Dhaka. He described disappearance as a state crime and said an independent constitutional institution must handle investigations to ensure remedy.

The demand follows the cabinet’s policy and final approval of the draft Prevention and Remedies for Enforced Disappearance Act, 2026, at its 15th meeting on Monday, following vetting by the Law Ministry. The proposed law assigns responsibility for investigating disappearances to police. Islami Andolon said an ordinance issued by the interim government had instead assigned that responsibility to the National Human Rights Commission.

Rahman said the proposed law contains some positive provisions, but they can operate only after an incident is recognised as a disappearance. He argued that police control of investigations would prevent such recognition and could leave the crime unresolved. Several party joint and assistant secretaries and other leaders attended the meeting.