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Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has strongly criticized the government's decision to allow stakeholders a mere one-day window to submit opinions on the draft Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Act. TIB described this brief consultation period, which ended July 28 after the draft was posted online July 27, as a "mockery."

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mockery

The anti-graft watchdog urged authorities to extend the consultation period by at least two weeks. TIB expressed concerns that the government might rush the bill through parliament, citing recent instances where legislation, such as the Invest Bangladesh Act, was introduced as supplementary agenda items and passed rapidly, bypassing standard parliamentary procedures. This pattern raises fears that the proposed disappearance law could face a similar expedited process.

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recent instances of bills being introduced as supplementary agenda items and laws being rushed through parliament in violation of the Rules of Procedure, including the Invest Bangladesh Act, 2026, had raised concerns that the same approach could be adopted for the proposed law.

TIB is calling for a more inclusive and meaningful review of the draft legislation. They emphasize the importance of allowing victims of enforced disappearance and other relevant stakeholders ample opportunity to provide input. The organization insists that the draft should be revised comprehensively based on the recommendations received during an extended and participatory consultation period.

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meaningful participation by victims of enforced disappearance and other stakeholders, a two-week extension for submitting opinions, and an inclusive revision of the draft based on the recommendations received.