Bangladeshi activist released from secret prison after funeral

Michael Chakma, a political activist from a Buddhist ethnic minority in Bangladesh, disappeared in 2019 while heading to a meeting. His family, after years of searching for answers, held a funeral for him in 2022, believing he had been killed, a fate that often befalls opponents of the ruling regime. Chakma had previously faced detentions but had never vanished without a trace until this incident. His disappearance was emblematic of the oppressive tactics employed by Sheikh Hasina's government against dissenters. In a surprising turn of events, Chakma reemerged alive after spending five years in solitary confinement in a secret military intelligence prison in Dhaka. His release came shortly after his family had mourned him, highlighting the cruel irony of his situation. The conditions of his imprisonment were severe, as he was held in windowless cells, cut off from the outside world. The case of Michael Chakma raises significant questions about the human rights situation in Bangladesh, particularly under the autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina. His story reflects the broader pattern of abductions, detentions, and killings of opposition figures that have become commonplace in the country. Families of the disappeared often face a painful uncertainty, with many left without closure. Chakma's unexpected return has sparked a renewed call for accountability and justice for victims of state-sponsored violence. As the political landscape in Bangladesh continues to evolve, the need for transparency and respect for human rights remains critical for the future of the nation.