Citizen Initiative expresses its deep concern and outrage over the disappearance of Madrasa teacher Mamun, former Joint Convener of the Turag Thana Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who has been missing since the early morning of 22 September.
From social media and community sources, we have learned that Mamun had long been active in the Turag and Uttara areas against land grabbing, extortion, and inequality. He also played a leading role in the July anti-discrimination movement. Recently, he spoke out publicly against the so-called “July Fighter Syndicate” and a group of local youths accused of extortion and illegal occupation under a political banner. Following this, he received open threats. On the night of 21 September, he was directly phoned and told: “We will disappear you.” Just hours later, Mamun went missing.
We are alarmed to learn that although his wife filed a General Diary (GD) with the police, no effective action has been taken. On the contrary, the police repeatedly obstructed access to CCTV footage from the area. Even after footage emerged clearly showing Mamun being taken away, though the faces could not be identified, the police have refused to question the suspects. Such behavior echoes the notorious enforced disappearance practices of the Hasina era, when RAB routinely dismissed victims’ fates as “self-isolation” to shield perpetrators and absolve the state of responsibility.
We wish to state unequivocally: ensuring the safety of every citizen and locating the disappeared is a constitutional duty of the administration. The disappearance of Mamun, coupled with the negligence and apathy of the authorities, starkly contradicts the spirit of a just, democratic, and discrimination-free Bangladesh envisioned after the July Uprising.
Citizen Initiative strongly demands:
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The immediate recovery of Madrasa teacher Mamun and his safe return to his family.
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The arrest and interrogation of those who issued public threats and are suspected of involvement in his disappearance.
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A public explanation from police and relevant state agencies regarding their repeated non-cooperation and negligence.
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A clear guarantee that the culture of enforced disappearance will never again be used as a political weapon in Bangladesh.
Citizen Initiative firmly asserts: if a citizen falls victim to insecurity or enforced disappearance due to state failure, the administration must bear full responsibility.
Sincerely,
Taib Ahmed
Secretary, Citizen Initiative
PhD Candidate & Instructor, Colorado State University
Dr. Hasan Mahmud
Chairman, Citizen Initiative
Assistant Professor, Northwestern University in Qatar
