Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Wednesday said that findings from the Disappearance Commission’s report and security forces’ investigations suggest the existence of 700-800 Aynaghor across the country, with more being uncovered.
He explained that this indicates these sites were not confined to Dhaka alone but were also present in remote areas.
"The Human Rights Watch report explicitly mentions that the fallen autocrat Sheikh Hasina was involved in enforced disappearances and killings, and these acts were carried out under her directives," he said.
He made these remarks at a briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.
Earlier that morning, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus visited three secret detention and torture cells in Agargaon, Kochukhet, and Uttara, which have become known as Aynaghor.
Referring to recent media reports, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said: "There were claims that Aynaghor were not being inspected. However, as you have seen, several locations in Dhaka have already been visited. Every Aynaghor in Bangladesh will be identified."
Providing details about the visits to the three locations, the press secretary mentioned that two of them belonged to RAB, while the other was operated by DGFI.
He said: "These sites revealed how detainees were held, tortured, and how scenes were staged. Some individuals spent as many as seven to eight years there. The descriptions of their experiences are beyond words. The chief adviser personally visited each location, where former detainees recounted their ordeals. Unfortunately, we could not take everyone along, and we deeply regret that. However, we have documented everything through BTV. Only two media outlets accompanied us."
Responding to a question, he said: "The locations we visited consisted of very small rooms. In some cases, passages had been created by breaking bricks. The entire process posed logistical challenges. We had two cameramen from BTV, a photographer from PID, and another from our own press wing. Additionally, we included Al Jazeera and Netra News, as Netra News had played a significant role in reporting on Aynaghor. One journalist was also present. Beyond this, we could not accommodate more personnel due to logistical constraints."
Regarding arrest warrants, the press secretary said: "The Disappearance Commission is handling cases against individuals with warrants. You will receive updates on the outcomes in due time."
On the issue of evidence destruction at Aynaghor, he said: "The Disappearance Commission is investigating whether evidence has been tampered with. Prosecutors from the International Crimes Tribunal are also reviewing the cases. Every Aynaghor will be sealed as evidence since they are necessary for legal proceedings. The Commission will determine whether any evidence has been deliberately destroyed. In some locations, we noticed plastering work, while in others, walls had been broken to make rooms appear larger. Whether this was intentional or accidental will be decided by the Disappearance Commission and the International Crimes Tribunal."
He concluded by saying: "All members of the Awami League involved in enforced disappearances, killings, and murders will be brought to justice. This is certain."
