Enforced disappearance is gross violation of fundamental human rights: Tariq Rahman
Acting Chairman of BNP Tariq Rahman said that if the government is formed after being elected by people's vote, BNP will make laws according to international conventions to prevent enforced disappearances in the country. Disappearance is a crime against humanity which is a gross violation of basic human rights.
He said this in a message given on the occasion of the International Day for the Prevention of Missing Persons on Friday (August 30).
Acting Chairman of BNP said in a statement, "On behalf of my party, I promise that if the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP forms the government after being elected by the people, we will ensure that no person goes missing in the country, as per the International Convention on the Prevention of Disappearances (ICPPED) adopted by the United Nations." We will enact the necessary laws, inshallah. Justice must be served for this grave crime against humanity.
He said, like lakhs of countrymen, I am also deeply concerned about the unprecedented disappearances in Bangladesh. It is used as a tool of state repression.
Mentioning that disappearances have been used during Sheikh Hasina's regime to create a frightening situation in society, he said in a statement, reliable human rights organizations have simultaneously revealed that since January 2009, more than seven hundred people have been disappeared by the law enforcement agencies of Bangladesh. It is very painful. Justice has not been served till date.
Tariq Rahman said, these missing people were dear members of their families. Their dreams, love and beautiful future have been taken away. We do not know where the missing people are, but we have left behind a tragic and painful Bangladesh, where our earned human rights and values have been robbed.
Acting Chairman of BNP said in a statement that enforced disappearance is recognized as an international crime. Article 7(2) of the Rome Statute of the ICC defines enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity. It also emphasized the need for justice for this violation of human rights.
He said, on the International Day of Remembrance of Missing Persons, we observe the day to remember the people who have gone missing across national borders, including political philosophy, race, language, ethnic group, culture, caste, etc. and also to express condolences to their families. I call for unity and solidarity around the world for justice and accountability against the individuals and institutions involved in these inhumane crimes.