Asif Nazrul: Enforced disappearances tough to prosecute

Prosecuting those involved in enforced disappearances and abductions is challenging, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has said.

Speaking at a program organized by the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances in a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Friday, the adviser said countering the effects of the past 15 years of governance within a few weeks is extremely difficult.

Asif Nazrul said: “Although we lack certain capabilities, we do not lack sincerity. The government is considering the rehabilitation and compensation of families of the disappeared. We are committed to everyone.”

In response to a question from family members of victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings who were present at the event, he said: “This government is not like previous ones. We are not political figures. By the grace of Allah, each of us is established in our respective professions. Therefore, there is no question of repeating the actions of past governments.

“No government has ever formed a commission to investigate enforced disappearances or extrajudicial killings. If there have been any mistakes in our governance, you are surely free to criticize us.”

A family member of a victim of enforced disappearance, choked with emotion, said: “We request this government to at least give us some information. Please help us.”

At the event, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan emphasized that justice is everyone’s priority, not just for families of the victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, but for everyone who suffered from the repression of the Awami League over the past 15 years.