Families of 55 enforced disappearance victims begin testifying before ICT

Families of 55 people who disappeared during the Awami League government began giving evidence to the International Crimes Tribunal on Sunday. The tribunal's investigation agency is recording statements from one or two relatives from each family, with the remaining families expected to testify the following day.

Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said investigators have confirmed that more than 251 people subjected to enforced disappearance never returned. “Each of the 251 victims was picked up in almost the same manner by law enforcement agencies, and the pattern of their disappearance and subsequent denial is also similar,” he told journalists.

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We have started recording the statements of family members of the victims from today.

The investigation agency is collecting statements alongside documents, photographs, general diary records, case files and writ petitions submitted by families. Investigators will also examine how the victims were allegedly taken, the vehicles used, witnesses to the incidents and other circumstantial evidence. The families are represented by Mayer Daak, which had previously filed written complaints with the tribunal.

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Each of the 251 victims was picked up in almost the same manner by law enforcement agencies, and the pattern of their disappearance and subsequent denial is also similar.

Aminul said investigators had made substantial progress in identifying suspected perpetrators and locations, but would not disclose details because doing so could hinder the inquiry. Some suspects may already be in custody or facing trial in other cases, while investigators are examining the roles of serving and retired officers. About 18 investigators are working on the case, with instructions to finish it within the year so a trial can begin.

Mayer Daak coordinator Sanjida Islam Tulee said families remained frustrated after waiting more than a decade for justice, but hoped the investigation would now move faster. Aminul also urged the government to improve security for families, witnesses and tribunal premises, citing information that suspects might try to sabotage or obstruct the inquiry.

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Therefore, we consider these incidents to be widespread and systematic. This is not merely a case of individual disappearances; we consider them crimes against humanity.