The interim government has established a five-member commission to investigate cases of enforced disappearances allegedly carried out by law enforcement agencies during the 15-year rule of the Awami League.

The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Tuesday forming the commission under the 'Commission of Inquiry Act, 1956.' The commission's mandate is to locate individuals who were forcibly disappeared by various agencies, including the Bangladesh Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Special Branch (SB), Detective Branch (DB), Ansar Battalion, National Security Intelligence (NSI), Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), Coast Guard, and other relevant bodies.

According to the notification, the commission is tasked with completing its investigation and submitting a report to the government within 45 working days.

The commission is chaired by retired Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury of the High Court Division. Its members include retired Justice Md. Farid Ahmed Shibli, human rights activist Noor Khan, BRAC University academic Nabila Idris, and human rights activist Sazzad Hossain.

The investigation will cover enforced disappearance cases from January 1, 2010, to August 5, 2024. The commission will identify the disappeared individuals and determine the circumstances surrounding their disappearances. The commission is also responsible for reporting its findings to relevant authorities and making recommendations. If any of the disappeared persons are found, their relatives will be notified.

The commission will also gather information on investigations conducted by other organizations or institutions related to enforced disappearances.

The Cabinet Division will provide secretarial support to the commission and cover its necessary expenses. Additionally, the commission has the authority to enlist the assistance of any public servant.

The commission's chairperson will hold the status and privileges of a judge of the Appellate Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, while its members will have the status and privileges of judges of the High Court Division.

This commission was formed in the aftermath of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation on August 5, following the 'March to Dhaka' program organized by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. The cabinet was dissolved the same day, and the 12th National Parliament was dissolved the following day. An interim government was established on August 8.