President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said all those involved in enforced disappearances must face justice, regardless of their power or position also adding that independent Bangladesh would never again see a secret detention centre like the notorious "Aynaghar."
He made the remarks as chief guest at an event marking the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances 2026, organized by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.
The President said that during the past one and a half decades of fascist rule, enforced disappearances and secret detentions cast a heavy shadow over Bangladesh. Those who protested injustice or demanded democratic rights were silenced through disappearance and killing, while state institutions denied these crimes, he said.
Following the mass uprising that forced the fascist ruler to flee Mirza Fakhrul said the focus must now be on reparation rather than revenge, with real perpetrators held accountable under the law. He stressed that all avenues for the return of fascism must be permanently closed.
Enforced disappearance, he said, destroys not just a person but the peace, dreams and well-being of their families, violating fundamental constitutional rights. He urged the government to support victims' families through dignity, healthcare, education, livelihood and rehabilitation not punishment alone.
He cited cases including Ilias Ali, Chowdhury Alam, Sajedul Islam, Salahuddin Ahmed, Barrister Arman and Lt Gen Azmi also noting that dissidents, journalists, officials and ordinary citizens across political lines were affected. He also praised former PM Khaleda Zia and Mayer Dak convener Sanjida Islam Tulee for their advocacy against enforced disappearances.
"We want a Bangladesh with political differences but no political vengeance, freedom of expression without fear and law without injustice" he said.
Ministers Ahmed Aazam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed and Md. Asaduzzaman, along with several affected lawmakers, attended and demanded fair trials.
