News|Sheikh HasinaThousands of forced disappearances under Hasina rule in Bangladesh: InquiryThe Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances finds that out of 1,569 confirmed cases, 287 fell into the ‘missing and dead’ category.
## Regulation: Enforced Disappearances in Bangladesh
Regulation: Enforced Disappearances in Bangladesh
The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances in Bangladesh reported that enforced disappearance cases potentially linked to former leader Sheikh Hasina could range from 4,000 to 6,000 individuals. The report, released on November 19, 2025, noted that 1,913 complaints were filed, with 1,569 meeting the commission's criteria for enforced disappearances.
Among the reported cases, 287 were classified under the 'Missing and Dead' category. Commission member Nabila Idris indicated that many cases remain unreported due to victims being unaware of the commission, having relocated, or being unwilling to come forward.
The commission was established following Hasina's removal from power. According to the report, the enforced disappearances had primarily political motivations. Of those who disappeared and later returned, 75 percent were associated with Jamaat-e-Islami, while 22 percent were linked to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), both being major political rivals of Hasina's Awami League.
Among the reported cases, 287 were classified under the 'Missing and Dead' category.
The report highlighted that 68 percent of the remaining missing individuals are affiliated with BNP and related organizations, with 22 percent connected to Jamaat-e-Islami. The commission pointed to Awami League leader Hasina and her associates, including defense adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, as being implicated in these disappearances.
The interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, acknowledged the commission's efforts as significant in documenting these events. He emphasized the need to prevent such incidents in the future, urging a departure from practices that undermine democratic institutions.
Recently, Bangladesh experienced the passing of Khaleda Zia, a three-time prime minister and leader of the BNP, marking a significant moment for the nation. The focus now shifts to her son, Tarique Rahman, and his potential role in continuing her political legacy.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
