Human rights organization Odhikar has voiced deep concern over several provisions of the “Prevention and Remedies for Enforced Disappearance Act, 2026,” approved by the cabinet on August 3. In a statement reported on August 4, the group said victims of disappearance and their families could face greater legal complications and risks if the law is passed in its current form. It urged the government to amend the legislation before presenting it to parliament.

Odhikar objected particularly to Section 14, which assigns police responsibility for investigating disappearance allegations against law-enforcement agencies. The organization argued that police investigations into an accused force would not likely be impartial or fair in Bangladesh’s context, potentially creating bias and facilitating impunity for law-enforcement personnel. It said police did not accept general diary complaints in disappearance cases during the previous fascist government.

The group also criticized Section 21, which allows up to five years of rigorous imprisonment for a complainant if an allegation is found false by a court following investigation. Odhikar said the provision could deter victims and families from seeking legal remedy. It called for an independent National Human Rights Commission or a special disappearance investigation commission to handle such inquiries.