The Council of Advisers at a meeting on Thursday approved the drafts of three ordinances on enforced disappearance prevention, haor and wetland conservation and establishment of a new Bangladesh embassy in Bern, Switzerland.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus presided over the meeting held at his office.
Under Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Redress (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, a person missing for at least five years without returning alive can be officially declared ‘disappeared’ by a tribunal.
The government may appoint the required number of public prosecutors for the ‘Disappearance Prevention and Redress Tribunal’ based on recommendations from the Human Rights Commission.
Besides, victims or complainants may hire lawyers independently and a missing person’s spouse or dependent family member may use the missing person’s property with prior approval from the commission.
The council also approved the draft of Bangladesh Haor and Wetland Conservation Ordinance 2025 both in principle and final form.
The ordinance clearly defines the responsibilities, authority and jurisdiction of the Department of Haor and Wetland Development.
It keeps provision for the issuance of protective ordinances to preserve biodiversity, environment, and ecosystems in haor and wetland areas and declaration of protected haor and wetland zones.
The ordinance also lists prohibited activities in these areas, defines violations as offenses and sets penalties.
It requires consultation with the department for development projects, subject to specific exceptions and empowers the formulation of rules and guidelines for coordination with other authorities, engagement of local stakeholders, and inclusion in conservation efforts.
Besides, the council of adviser approved the proposal to establish a new Bangladesh embassy in Bern, Switzerland, aiming to strengthen relations with Switzerland, a key development partner and strategic ally.
Initially, the embassy will operate with an ambassador, a first secretary, and a few officers and staff.
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Bangladesh currently has 82 missions worldwide.
The council of advisers also discussed the critical health condition of Sharif Osman Hadi, a frontline activist of the July Uprising and spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho.
The council gave special thanks to the Ministry of Liberation Affairs for organising this year’s Victory Day celebrations smoothly and successfully.