Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has proposed setting up a ‘horror museum’ to preserve the grim history of enforced disappearances, as revealed in the second interim report by the Inquiry Commission.
During a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Monday, the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, said, “Upon hearing the extent of torture victims endured, Professor Yunus remarked that a ‘horror museum’ should be established to document and preserve this dark chapter.”
The suggestion followed the submission of the Commission’s second interim report, headed by Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, at the State Guest House in Jamuna. Commission members Noor Khan, Sajjad Hossain, and Nabila Idris were present.
The report highlights the involvement of the intelligence wing of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in many enforced disappearance cases, branding the unit as a “killing force” based on testimonies from victims and some former perpetrators.
According to the findings, approximately 1,850 disappearance cases have been identified, with 1,350 already reviewed. Over 300 individuals remain missing, and the final count could exceed 3,500.
Part of the July-August Mass Revolution Memorial Museum at Gono Bhaban will be repurposed to exhibit evidence of torture and persecution related to these incidents.
The Chief Adviser has instructed the report to be made publicly available both online and in book form. He also directed the preparation of an action plan to implement urgent recommendations and assign responsibilities to relevant ministries.
The Commission revealed that some officials involved in past abuses have expressed remorse. “Two officers submitted letters seeking redemption—these letters were found at Gono Bhaban,” a Commission member told Yunus, adding that even a former Army Chief acknowledged the letters’ existence.
The report also recommends legal reforms to allow families of the disappeared access to banking services by reducing the current seven-year requirement to declare someone dead to five years.
Professor Yunus praised the Commission members for their bravery and dedication. “Your courage despite threats is an inspiration. Future human rights defenders will remember your work,” he said.
Deputy Press Secretary Abdul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad also attended the briefing.
LND/BG
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