Govt Approves Ordinance Introducing Capital Punishment for Enforced Disappearance

The Council of Advisers today (November 6, 2025) granted final approval to the draft 'Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Redress Ordinance 2025'. This landmark legislation introduces capital punishment and other stringent penalties for the crime of enforced disappearance.

The approval was given during the 47th meeting of the Council of Advisers, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, held at the Chief Adviser's Office.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, in a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy, detailed the major components of the new ordinance: Enforced disappearance is explicitly defined as a continuing offence.

The establishment and use of secret detention centers, commonly known as "Aynaghar," are made a punishable crime under the new law.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is authorized to receive and investigate complaints of enforced disappearance.

The ordinance mandates the completion of trials within 120 days after the establishment of special tribunals designated to investigate complaints. The law ensures comprehensive protection for victims, witnesses, and information providers, while also guaranteeing compensation and legal aid. A special fund and database will be created to support prevention, redress, and protection efforts related to enforced disappearances.

The Press Secretary highlighted that the ordinance was framed to align with the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, which Bangladesh ratified on August 29, 2024. He emphasized that the legislation marks a decisive step toward safeguarding constitutional rights to life and personal liberty, asserting that its enforcement will prevent any future administration from establishing a "regime of disappearances or 'Aynaghar' in Bangladesh."