No ‘Crossfires’ or Disappearances in Bangladesh in the Last 42 Days!

Bangladesh’s Law Minister, Md. Asaduzzaman, has stated that no incidents of extrajudicial killings (commonly known as ‘crossfires’) or enforced disappearances have occurred in the country during the 42 days since the new government took office. He made this claim on Thursday (April 9) while introducing a human rights-related bill in the National Parliament.

Emphasizing the current administration’s commitment to protecting human rights and ending the culture of impunity, the Minister said, ‘This government is determined to uphold human rights and will not tolerate any extrajudicial killings as seen in the past.’

The Law Minister introduced the ‘National Human Rights Commission (Repeal and Restoration) Bill-2026’ during a session presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram. Responding to an objection raised by opposition Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah, the Minister remarked, ”The government could have pursued the politics of vengeance if it wanted to. But we did not take that path. The record of the past 42 days demonstrates our sincerity in protecting human rights. During this time, not a single person in Bangladesh has fallen victim to disappearances or so-called ‘crossfires’.”

He further added, ‘We do not want any more mothers or sisters in Bangladesh to sit on prayer mats, shedding tears while waiting for their children. We want to permanently close the dark chapter of human rights violations.’

Explaining the National Human Rights Commission Bill, the Minister noted that the 2025 Ordinance contained several legal inconsistencies, particularly regarding the lack of clear guidelines for compensation or fines for victims. He stated that work is underway to formulate a transparent and robust law through discussions with stakeholders.

The Minister mentioned that the 2009 Act has been temporarily reinstated to ensure that there is no legal vacuum regarding the Human Rights Commission during this interim period. He expressed hope that once the new law is finalized, it will bring qualitative changes to the country’s human rights situation.

It is noteworthy that international human rights organizations have long expressed concern over the culture of extrajudicial killings and disappearances in Bangladesh. If the new government’s claims are reflected on the ground, it will be regarded as a positive milestone for non-violent governance and civic security in South Asia.

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Zahida Parvez Chhanda: Senior journalist and Staff Correspondent, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.