Bangladesh families of enforced disappearance victims hopeful after Hasina’s downfall

Smrity’s husband Ismail Hossain Baten, a businessman in Dhaka, was allegedly abducted by members of the paramilitary force Rapid Action Battalion [RAB] in 2019. Since then, Smrity has run from pillar to post searching for Baten.

The RAB, police and other security agencies have for years denied holding Baten in their custody, telling Smrity they knew nothing of his whereabouts.

On Tuesday, Smrity was among scores of families who assembled at the Dhaka headquarters of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence [DGFI], the military intelligence authority of the country, calling for a fresh search for those who became victims of so-called enforced disappearance during Hasina’s reign.

“I wrote to ministers. I met senior RAB and other security agency officers. I found no way to trace my husband. Despite many appeals, the police did not launch a proper investigation into the case.

“But with the regime being changed, I think, the security agencies will be forced to release those held captive for years,” Smrity told This Week in Asia, adding that she knew of some missing persons who were “released” just a day before.

“I strongly believe that my husband is alive in one of their secret detention centres, and will be released soon.”

Hasina, who was in office from 2009 until her recent exile, has been accused by many of corruption, human rights violations and ruling with an iron hand. Allegations against her include rigging of the last three general elections.

Bangladeshi human rights group Odhikar said on Wednesday that during Hasina’s rule in the past 15 years, around 3,000 people were killed extrajudicially and more than 700 became victims of enforced disappearances.

While some returned home alive, scores of others were reportedly