BSS:

The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearance has found India’s involvement in enforced disappearances in Bangladesh, reports BSS.

“Indian involvement in Bangladesh’s system of enforced disappearances is a matter of public record,” the commission said in its report as it found intelligence information about the practice of captive exchanges between the two countries and the possible subsequent fate of the detainees.

The five-member commission led by retired justice Mainul Islam Chowdhury recently handed over the report titled “Unfolding The Truth” to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna.

The commission said there is a persistent suggestion in law enforcement circles that some prisoners may still remain in Indian jails.

“We recommend the Ministries of Foreign and Home extend their best efforts to identify any Bangladeshi citizens who may still remain incarcerated in India. It is beyond the jurisdiction of the commission to follow this trail outside Bangladesh,” it said.

There are two highly publicised cases that provide valuable insights into how such operations were carried out: the case of Shukhranjan Bali, abducted from Bangladesh Supreme Court premises who resurfaced subsequently in an Indian jail, and that of BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed, the report said.

Besides these incidents, Hummam Quader Chowdhury describes hearing Hindi-speaking people outside his cell inquiring about the condition of his captivity, such as: ‘When was he picked up? Has he given any information? What interrogation has been done yet?’ etc.