Staff Reporter:
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will soon visit Aynaghor, the secret cells where the victims of enforced disappearance were kept in confinement.
Local and foreign media will accompany the chief adviser during his visit to Aynaghor, used by Sheikh Hasina as part of her repressive tactics against opposition leaders and critics during the 16 years of rule.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Council of Advisers on Thursday, said a press release issued by Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.
There are allegations that the Counter-terrorism Intelligence Bureau (CTIB) of the DGFI is responsible for the maintenance of the detention center.
There are at least 16 rooms with the capacity of holding around 30 detainees at a time and the site is believed to be situated inside the Dhaka Cantonment area of Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina’s regime was known for forced disappearances and torture of political opponents.
After her departure from power on 5 August, attention turned to Aynaghar and its prisoners.
On 11 September 2024, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, in his address to the nation marking the one-month anniversary of his administration, announced the signing of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
“With this signing, we are now internationally committed to ending the culture of disappearances that took root during the previous regime. In addition, we are establishing a dedicated commission to investigate every case of disappearance that occurred over the past 15 years,” he said.
He also expressed solidarity with the families who have endured years of anguish, waiting for answers about their missing loved ones and confirmed that Aynaghar has been closed, with plans to release all detainees as soon as possible.
