Summary:
- Bangladesh’s Inquiry Commission revealed that the DGFI destroyed evidence at its secret detention facility, Aynaghar, to conceal crimes linked to enforced disappearances.
- The destruction included repainting walls and structural changes after August 5, 2024, obstructing investigations into detainee testimonies.
- Over 758 cases of enforced disappearances have been verified, with survivors detailing torture and isolation in secret facilities like Aynaghar.
- The commission has called for accountability, citing a culture of impunity within security forces during Sheikh Hasina’s administration.
The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances in Bangladesh has unveiled alarming findings regarding the destruction of evidence by the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). This revelation comes amidst ongoing investigations into cases of enforced disappearances during the 15-year tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, which ended in August 2024.
The commission, formed by the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, reported that critical evidence linked to the DGFI’s secret detention facility, known as “Aynaghar” or the Joint Interrogation Cell, was deliberately destroyed. According to the commission’s findings, the facility’s walls—once inscribed with messages and information from detainees—were hastily repainted after August 5, 2024, following the regime change. Structural modifications were also noted, further impeding investigative efforts.
In a statement released on January 20, 2025, the commission emphasized that these actions appeared to be a calculated attempt to conceal crimes associated with enforced disappearances. “We found wet paint and incomplete structural changes during our inspection, which clearly indicate a rushed effort to erase evidence,” the report stated. The Aynaghar facility, located within the DGFI headquarters in Dhaka, reportedly housed numerous victims of enforced disappearances over the years.
The commission’s investigation has so far verified over 758 cases of enforced disappearances from a total of 1,676 complaints received. Many victims have recounted harrowing experiences of torture and prolonged detention in clandestine facilities. Survivors described Aynaghar as a two-story building with approximately 22 cells where detainees were held in isolation. Some victims revealed that they were subjected to severe torture while being denied any contact with the outside world.
The destruction of evidence at Aynaghar is not an isolated incident. The commission noted similar patterns of evidence tampering across other facilities operated by various security agencies, including the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) units. These findings underscore a broader culture of impunity within Bangladesh’s security forces during Hasina’s administration.
The commission has called for accountability and transparency in addressing these abuses. Retired Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, who leads the inquiry, stated that legal action would be pursued against those responsible for enforced disappearances and subsequent cover-ups. “We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice for victims and their families,” he said.
The interim government has pledged to support the commission’s efforts and has extended its tenure to allow for a comprehensive investigation. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has expressed shock at the findings and plans to visit Aynaghar personally to demonstrate solidarity with victims.
Human rights organizations have lauded these developments but stress the need for systemic reforms to prevent future abuses. The United Nations and Human Rights Watch have urged Bangladesh to ratify international conventions against enforced disappearances and establish mechanisms for reparations and institutional accountability.
As Bangladesh grapples with this dark chapter in its history, the revelations serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for justice and reform to uphold human rights and restore public trust in state institutions.
Source: RTv online
