- Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus plans to visit Aynaghar, secret detention sites.
- The visit follows a recommendation by the Advisory Council on February 6.
- Both local and foreign media will accompany Yunus during the visit.
- The visit aims to uncover the conditions of enforced disappearance victims.
- The Commission of Enquiry had earlier requested victims’ participation for identification.
The Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Professor Muhammad Yunus, will soon visit the secret detention centers known as Aynaghar, where victims of enforced disappearance were reportedly held in inhumane conditions during Sheikh Hasina’s rule.
The visit is scheduled to take place shortly, with both local and foreign media accompanying him, following a decision made by the Advisory Council on February 6, 2025. The decision to visit the Aynaghar detention centers, widely criticized for their secretive and brutal conditions, was announced by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing after a meeting of the Advisory Council.
The visit, initially slated for February 3, was delayed after the Commission of Enquiry on Enforced Disappearance raised concerns. They had asked for victims of enforced disappearance to be allowed to participate in the visit for proper identification of the facilities.
On January 19, Prof. Yunus had expressed his intention to visit these centers after being briefed on the disturbing findings of the Commission’s investigation. “The incidents uncovered by your [the Commission’s] investigation are chilling. I will soon visit Aynaghar,” Prof Yunus stated.
However, the Commission’s subsequent request emphasized the need for victims to be present, citing their role in identifying key locations within the detention facilities.
The Commission’s Concerns
The Commission’s letter, dated January 29, expressed concerns over the inability to effectively carry out the visit without the victims’ involvement. The letter, signed by Commission Secretary Ashikul Khabir, pointed out that without the victims’ identification, it would be impossible to ensure justice for the disappeared individuals.
The Commission had also previously faced restrictions, including not being allowed to photograph the secret detention centers during prior visits.
The Commission stated that they had already communicated with victims, preparing them for the visit. Given the sensitive nature of the matter, their presence was seen as essential to provide testimony and to ensure transparency.
Although the Advisory Council’s decision to proceed with the visit has been made, it remains unclear whether the victims will be allowed to join Prof Yunus. This uncertainty adds to the complexity of the visit, as the Commission had explicitly stated that their participation is crucial for the success of the investigation.
As of now, the Commission has not commented on the latest developments, and it remains to be seen whether the visit will take place without the victims or if their involvement will be secured.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming visit by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to Aynaghar is poised to shine a light on the dark past of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh. While the advisory council has given its approval, the success of the visit hinges on the participation of the victims, as their identification is crucial to achieving justice.
The situation remains fluid, with both local and international observers eagerly awaiting further developments.