Special allowance proposed for families of disappeared persons: Fakhrul

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Friday that the government will propose introducing a special allowance for families of victims of enforced disappearances and ensure justice by bringing those responsible to trial.

"We will propose the introduction of a special government allowance for the families of victims of enforced disappearances," he said.

The minister made the remarks while addressing a national dialogue titled 'Right to Compensation and Rehabilitation', at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital.

Marking the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture-2026, he said the government would place a proposal to include a special allowance for families of disappeared persons in the current national budget.

"Legal proceedings against those responsible for enforced disappearances will continue to ensure justice for the victims and their families. The government will stand beside you in every struggle to secure your rights and justice," Fakhrul added.

Family members of victims of enforced disappearances during the previous Awami League regime attended the dialogue, where many shared emotional accounts of losing their loved ones, making the atmosphere deeply poignant.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Speaker of Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Barrister Kayser Kamal said the time had come not for tears but for securing rights and justice for the victims.

He also expressed hope that the National Human Rights Commission would be further strengthened and that a parliamentary committee on enforced disappearances would be formed.

Lawmaker Tahsina Rushdir Luna and Sanzida Islam Tuli, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Md Aminul Islam and representatives from different sectors attended the dialogue.

During the programme, family members of victims highlighted their expectations for compensation, rehabilitation and justice, sharing their experiences and calling for effective government measures to address their long-standing grievances.