Protest Against Enforced Disappearances in Barishal: VOED Demands Justice
Barishal, February 15, 2025
A large public gathering was held today in front of Barishal Town Hall, organized by the ‘Voice of Enforced Disappeared Persons’ (VOED).
Families of disappeared individuals, victims who have returned, and human rights activists participated in the event.
They shared their experiences, raised their voices against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, and demanded justice.
Heartbreaking Experiences of Returnees
Several individuals who had been forcibly disappeared and later returned spoke about their horrifying experiences.
They described the torture they endured without trial and the challenges they still face in reintegrating into society. Their testimonies deeply moved the audience.
Key Demands of the Protesters
The protestors put forward several demands to ensure justice and accountability:
- Immediate Return of the Disappeared: Authorities must disclose the whereabouts of all missing persons and return them to their families. All secret detention centers must be revealed.
- Independent Investigation and Accountability: Those responsible for enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings must be identified and brought to justice.
- Rehabilitation of Returnees: The state must take responsibility for reintegrating the victims into society and providing them with compensation.
- International Solidarity: The international community must be urged to take action against enforced disappearances and human rights violations.
- Withdrawal of False Cases: Thousands of individuals have been falsely accused under anti-terrorism laws after being disappeared. These cases must be withdrawn, and all detained individuals must be released. The anti-terrorism law should be abolished.
A Pledge for a Just Society
Speakers at the event emphasized that the fight against enforced disappearances is not just a personal struggle but a national and humanitarian crisis.
Without justice, future generations will also face the same threats.
The gathering in Barishal has created widespread awareness among the public about human rights violations.
VOED has vowed to continue its struggle until justice is served and the dark chapter of enforced disappearances and killings comes to an end.
