The relatives of many such missing people are waiting for the return of their loved ones like Neelofer. According to the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), an international rights organization, the number of such persons missing at different times in the last 13 years is 153.
The Hong Kong-based rights organization also said that between 2009 and 2022, 623 people became victims of enforced disappearances in the country. Of them, 84 were found dead, while 383 either returned alive or were arrested later. It has been said that nothing could be known about the three people.
From the beginning, the government and law enforcement agencies have consistently denied any involvement in the enforced disappearances. Those responsible within the government have repeatedly given explanations that either the individuals concerned had gone into hiding voluntarily or had tragically drowned while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea.
In such a situation, the country is celebrating the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance on Wednesday, 30 August.
The allegation of enforced disappearance is not entirely new as some such allegations were made in the past during the tenure of different governments. But after the disappearance of BNP leader Ilyas Ali in 2012, the matter came under widespread public discussion in the country.
However, the real opposition party also claimed that prior to the Iliyas Ali incident, another party leader, Chaudhary Alam, was also a victim of enforced disappearance in Dhaka.
Allegations of enforced disappearances began to increase in 2013 and 2014, just before and after the 10th parliamentary election.
The BNP alleged that before and after the elections, fear was spread among partymen by picking on key leaders and activists to prevent nationwide agitation.