Victims of enforced disappearance to receive compensation: Home minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Saturday that the government had enacted a strict and modern law to ensure justice and compensation for every victim of enforced disappearance.

He said that while cases of enforced disappearance in the past were largely confined to investigations, the new law provides victims with a direct avenue to seek redress through the courts.

The law also includes provisions for the death penalty as the maximum punishment, depending on the nature of the offence.

The home minister made the remarks at a photography exhibition and discussion organised by Mayer Dak at the National Museum on Saturday evening to mark the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.

Elaborating on the law, Salahuddin said the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Redress Act 2026 defines the offence and prescribes appropriate penalties.

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It also provides for families of missing persons to use and enjoy their property to support themselves in the person's absence, he said.

The law also provides for compensation to be recovered from perpetrators and, if that is not possible, for the state to compensate victims of enforced disappearance, the home minister said.

Salahuddin said provisions in the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Act for prosecuting systematic and widespread enforced disappearances would remain in force.

At the same time, provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) have been strengthened to facilitate the trial and enforcement of punishments for offences related to enforced disappearance in regular courts, he said.

Saying that there was scope to amend any law if necessary, the home minister urged stakeholders to provide constructive suggestions.

Referring to the deterioration of law and order under the previous government and the current situation, he said, “We inherited a fragile force. For the past six months, we have been working to restore their morale and motivate them. From now on, a reward-and-punishment policy is being implemented.”

He said a modern law enforcement force was being built to combat technology-driven crimes while ensuring accountability and respect for human rights.