Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman today spoke at a recitation festival at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Aug 5, 2026 (BSS) - Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman today said the families of more than 700 people who were subjected to enforced disappearance during the previous government's tenure are still waiting for their loved ones to return, offering Tahajjud prayers in hope.

He made the remarks while addressing a recitation festival at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy here.

The minister said the previous 16 years of rule witnessed extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and political harassment that undermined people's fundamental rights.

He said false and fabricated cases were filed against six million people on allegations of their involvement in opposition politics.

The law minister also said that after assuming office, he learned that recitation had not received institutional recognition within the country's arts and cultural sector.

He said that through an amendment to the law during the first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, recitation was formally recognised as a branch of Bangladesh's arts and culture alongside dance and music.

The minister said that during the previous 16 years of authoritarian rule, more than 4,500 people were shot dead in the name of crossfire without trial.

Referring to the Bangladesh Recitation Federation, he said the organisation is working towards building a peaceful, democratic, discrimination-free and bloodshed-free society of enlightened people, which, he added, is a vision cherished by the nation.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom and leaders of the Bangladesh Recitation Federation, among others, were present at the programme.