Reconciliation commission to be formed

Law Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul yesterday said a Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be formed to establish national unity.

The law adviser and chief justice will visit South Africa to see how such commissions work.

"After returning, we will share our experiences," Prof Asif said speaking at a views-exchange meeting on the second draft of the "Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedies Ordinance, 2025".

Those involved in genocide and crimes against humanity must face strict punishment, he said.

"We must build national unity… we must form a Truth and Reconciliation Commission," he added.

"We will introduce strict laws to prevent such crimes from recurring. At the same time, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will demonstrate that the perpetrators are detached from our society."

Writer and online activist Pinaki Bhattacharya joined the event virtually as the keynote speaker and presented his views on several sections of the draft ordinance, according to a law ministry statement.

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan; Education Adviser Prof CR Abar; Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman; International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam, political analyst and columnist Farhad Mazhar; Supreme Court lawyer Ruhul Quddus Kajol, human rights activists Rezaur Rahman Lenin and Sayera Rahman Khan, and Mayer Daak Coordinator Sanjida Islam, among others  spoke at the event.