‘My younger brother has been missing for 11 years:’ Families demand justice on Int’l Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances

“My younger brother has been missing for 11 years,” said Rehana Akter Munni, sister of missing student leader Selim Reza Pintu, who was the president of the Chhatra Dal’s Sutrapur police station branch. 

She said Pintu was taken away by men 11 years ago who claimed they were from the administration. 

“They all were armed. I haven’t heard anything about him for 11 years,” said Rehana. 

“For the past 11 years, we’ve had no joy or festivities. Who gave Hasina the audacity to forcibly disappear the independent citizens of Bangladesh?” she asked. 

At this time, Rehana repeatedly demanded the hanging of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Family members and relatives of those who disappeared and forcibly taken away by the law enforcers during the Awami League (AL) regime held a human chain in front of the Central Shaheed Minar this morning (30 August) to mark the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.

This is the first time family members of the enforced disappearance victims could gather in an open space to demand the return of their loved ones. 

The event was organised by “Mayer Daak,” an organisation of the relatives of the disappeared and missing persons.

Relatives stood at the human chain holding pictures, banners, and placards of the missing individuals. 

Those who had returned after being disappeared shared their terrifying experiences and also demanded compensation during the event.

During the human chain event, the families sought the whereabouts of their relatives who fell victim to disappearances during the 15 years of the Awami League government.

“I want to speak to the interim government’s Law Adviser Asif Nazrul sir, who has joined us many times, expressing solidarity,” said one of the family members. 

“Sir, please do something for us. We can’t take it anymore,” she urged.