In the shadowy recesses of Bangladesh’s political landscape, few institutions have cast as long and dark a shadow as the secret prisons known as Aynaghar, or the House of Mirrors. These facilities, hidden away from the public eye, became synonymous with fear, repression, and human rights abuses during the 16-year reign of Sheikh Hasina. The fall of her regime in 2024 has brought these horrors into the light, revealing a web of political manipulation, systematic torture, and the complete erosion of fundamental human rights. As the nation grapples with these revelations, the urgent need to confront the abuses of Aynaghar and ensure justice for its victims has never been more pressing.
The Ordeal of Firoz Mahmud Hasan: A Glimpse into Aynaghar
The experience of Firoz Mahmud Hasan provides a chilling insight into the brutal reality of Aynaghar. On the night of June 30, 2022, Firoz, a key figure in the labor union of Grameen Telecom, was abducted by plainclothes men while on his way home after buying milk for his child. What followed was a harrowing ordeal that would strip him of his freedom, dignity, and peace of mind.
Firoz was forcibly taken away by masked men, blindfolded, and driven to a location that he later discovered was the notorious Aynaghar. Inside the prison, Firoz was subjected to both physical and psychological torture. He described his cell as a narrow, concrete-walled space, measuring only 3 feet wide and 6-7 feet long. The cell was devoid of any natural light, sound, or air, and the only objects inside were a light bulb, a fan, a water bottle, and a blanket.
The constant hum of loud fans outside his cell and the ever-present artificial light made it impossible for him to distinguish day from night. “I couldn’t tell day from night. I didn’t even hear the call to prayer. I could only tell it was morning when they brought me breakfast,” Firoz recalled in his testimony to The Daily Star.
The purpose of Firoz’s detention was to coerce him into making a false statement against Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus and the Grameen Telecom authorities. His captors demanded that he record a statement claiming that union leaders had accepted bribes from Grameen Telecom officials to persuade workers to drop their legal cases against the organization. When Firoz refused to comply, he was beaten with sticks, subjected to electric shocks while strapped to a steel chair, and threatened with further harm to his family.
After enduring seven days of torture, Firoz was eventually handed over to the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), where he was forced to memorize a script that served as his confessional statement. He and his colleague, Kamruzzaman, who had also been detained and tortured, were shown arrested in a case of fraud and embezzlement. It wasn’t until April 2023, after spending nine months in jail, that Firoz was finally granted bail. Even after his release, the psychological scars and the lingering sense of insecurity and anxiety remained.
The Ordeal of M Maroof Zaman: A Diplomat's Nightmare
The case of M Maroof Zaman, a former Bangladesh ambassador to Vietnam, further illustrates the terrifying reach and brutality of the Aynaghar system. On the evening of December 4, 2017, Maroof was on his way to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to pick up his daughter when he noticed a microbus tailgating him aggressively. Near the airport, his car was intercepted, and plainclothes men forcibly removed him from his vehicle, assaulted him, and dragged him into the microbus, where he was blindfolded and tied up.
Under duress, Maroof was forced to call a family member and instruct them to hand over his laptops to a "technician" who would visit his home. Despite his initial resistance, the assault left him with no choice but to comply. The microbus drove for about 20 minutes before stopping at an unknown location, which Maroof later identified as a cantonment area, likely under the control of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI).
Maroof was confined to a small, filthy room with minimal furnishings—a wooden bed, a CCTV camera, and four fans. The conditions were barely livable, with writings on the walls from previous detainees painted over every few months.
During his 15 months of captivity, Maroof endured multiple interrogations where he was questioned about his connections, his writings critical of the government, and his knowledge of sensitive intelligence matters. His captors, whom he identified as DGFI personnel through clues such as water bottles labeled "Sena" and medications marked "Defence Medicine, Trading Prohibited," subjected him to physical abuse, including being hit in the face and beaten with sticks, which resulted in serious injuries.
Maroof’s captors closely monitored his family's activities, adding a layer of psychological torment to his ordeal. They informed him about his daughter's whereabouts and activities, making it clear that his family was under surveillance.
Despite his suffering, Maroof’s ordeal finally ended on March 16, 2019, when he was abruptly released, warned not to disclose the details of his captivity, and driven to a location near his home.
Maroof has since called for the formation of a commission to investigate all incidents of enforced disappearance in Bangladesh over the last 15 years, a demand that echoes the broader need for accountability and justice in the wake of these revelations.
The Ordeal of Mikel Changma: A UPDF Leader's Five-Year Captivity
The harrowing experience of Mikel Changma, a political organizer of the United Peoples' Democratic Front (UPDF), further exposes the extent of the horrors faced by those held in Aynaghar. On April 9, 2019, Mikel was abducted by plainclothes men in the capital's Shyamoli area. For five long years, he was shuffled between four to five different secret prisons, completely cut off from the outside world.
During his captivity, Mikel caught only brief glimpses of sunlight through gaps under doors or through a small ventilator, never fully aware of the passage of time. His family, believing him to be dead, even performed his funeral rites, and his father passed away grieving the loss of his son.
Mikel was subjected to severe psychological torture, held in solitary confinement in rooms that felt "like living in a grave," as he described. The conditions were deplorable—no windows, no fresh air, just four enclosed walls. The meals provided were often inedible, with overly salty or excessively spicy curries, forcing Mikel to survive on rice alone for an entire month, leading to significant weight loss.
At one point, the psychological torment became so unbearable that Mikel begged his captors to end his life rather than prolong his suffering. It was only when his health deteriorated during Ramadan that his captors began to provide him with proper meals.
Throughout his time in Aynaghar, Mikel was kept in a state of fear and uncertainty, often hearing the cries of other detainees but rarely interacting with them. He shared a cell with different prisoners at various times but had little opportunity to communicate with them. Upon his release on August 7, 2024, Mikel, unaware of the political changes that had occurred, was simply dropped off on a road in Chattogram.
Mikel has since demanded justice, calling for those responsible for his abduction and the theft of five valuable years of his life to be held accountable. He plans to take legal action once he recovers from his physical and psychological trauma.
The Ordeal of Barrister Ahmad Bin Quasem and Brigadier General Abdullahil Aman Azmi
Another disturbing aspect of Aynaghar comes from the experiences of Barrister Ahmad Bin Quasem and Brigadier General Abdullahil Aman Azmi. On August 21, 2016, Barrister Ahmad Bin Quasem, the son of executed Jamaat leader Mir Quasem Ali, was taken from his home by plainclothes men in Dhaka’s Mirpur area. Just two days later, former Brigadier General Abdullahil Aman Azmi, son of the executed Jamaat leader Ghulam Azam, was also abducted. Both men were detained in Aynaghar for eight long years without trial or official charges.
According to reports from India Today, Dhaka Post, and other sources, these men endured some of the worst conditions imaginable. Barrister Ahmad Bin Quasem recounted his ordeal, describing how he was blindfolded, handcuffed, and kept in total isolation. For eight years, he was deprived of basic human rights, subjected to physical and psychological torture, and kept in conditions that he described as living in a "grave." He spoke of the relentless mental anguish, of hearing the cries of other prisoners, and of the deep despair that accompanied his long captivity. “If I had known that this would happen to me, I would have hugged my daughters a little longer,” he said, reflecting on the suddenness with which he was torn from his family.
Quasem was not allowed to know the time or date, making it impossible for him to perform religious prayers or keep track of the passing days. Even when he heard the call to prayer (Azan) from nearby mosques, his captors would play loud music to drown it out. His faith was his only solace in a place designed to break the human spirit.
Quasem’s release, following the fall of the Hasina government, was nothing short of miraculous for him. “I thought they would kill me,” he said after being dumped in a muddy field on the outskirts of Dhaka, his eyes still blindfolded.
The torment Quasem endured during his captivity is echoed in the experiences of many others who were detained in Aynaghar and similar facilities. These stories highlight the severe abuses that took place under the guise of state security and the urgent need for accountability.
Aynaghar: A House of Horrors
The systematic use of enforced disappearances and secret detentions became a hallmark of the Awami League’s 16-year rule. According to Human Rights Watch, security forces committed over 600 enforced disappearances since Sheikh Hasina came to power in 2009. While some victims were eventually released or produced in court, many are still missing, and it is feared that dozens may have died in custody.
The Hasina regime was notorious for its harsh treatment of political opponents, and Aynaghar became a symbol of this repression. The secret prison was reportedly used to detain not just political prisoners but also extremists and others deemed threats to the state. Despite the horrific conditions, many prisoners chose to remain silent after their release, fearing retribution against themselves or their families.
One such survivor, Sheikh Mohammad Salim, recounted his experience to Netra News, describing the windowless cells, high ceilings with just one light, and the loud exhaust fans that drowned out all other sounds. He spoke of the fear and uncertainty that pervaded Aynaghar, with prisoners often hearing the cries of others but unable to see or communicate with them. Salim was eventually released after it was discovered he was a victim of mistaken identity, but the psychological scars remained.
The Systemic Abuses in Aynaghar
The abuses at Aynaghar were not random acts of cruelty but part of a systematic approach to control, intimidate, and eliminate political opposition. The Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), Bangladesh's military intelligence agency, played a central role in operating these secret prisons.
The DGFI, often acting with impunity, targeted individuals who were perceived as threats to the ruling government, detaining them without trial, subjecting them to torture, and keeping them in inhumane conditions for years.
The psychological tactics employed in Aynaghar were as devastating as the physical torture. Detainees were deliberately kept in the dark about the passage of time, isolated from any contact with the outside world, and subjected to constant surveillance. The intent was clear: to break their spirit and ensure that any opposition to the regime was silenced. The stories of those who survived Aynaghar paint a grim picture of a government willing to go to any lengths to maintain its grip on power.
The Broader Implications of the Aynaghar Abuses
The revelations about Aynaghar and the abuses that took place within its walls have far-reaching implications for Bangladesh. Not only were these secret prisons used for political repression, but they also served other purposes. The ability of the DGFI and other security forces to operate outside the law, without fear of accountability, has undermined the rule of law in Bangladesh and eroded public trust in the country's institutions.
The impact of these abuses is felt not only by the individuals who were directly affected but also by their families and communities. The stigma of having a loved one detained in Aynaghar can linger for years, affecting their social and economic well-being. Moreover, the fear that such abuses could happen again has created a climate of fear and uncertainty in the country.
The international community has also taken notice of the Aynaghar revelations. Human rights organizations have condemned the abuses and called for thorough investigations. The United Nations has expressed concern about the use of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh and has urged the government to take immediate action to address these violations. The pressure from the international community has added to the urgency of addressing the Aynaghar abuses and ensuring that justice is served.
Addressing the Human Rights Abuses: The Path Forward
The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime and the revelations about Aynaghar have created an opportunity for Bangladesh to confront its past and take meaningful steps toward justice and accountability. The government must act swiftly to address the abuses that took place in Aynaghar and ensure that such violations are never repeated.
To begin with, there is a crucial need to establish an independent commission dedicated to thoroughly investigating the use of secret prisons like Aynaghar and the role of state agencies such as the DGFI in enforcing disappearances and torture.
This commission must be empowered with the authority to subpoena witnesses, access classified information, and hold accountable those responsible for these egregious human rights violations.
Justice for victims and their families is also paramount. The government should provide full disclosure about the fate of those who are still missing, and offer compensation and psychological support to survivors and their families. Additionally, those who were wrongfully detained, such as Firoz Mahmud Hasan, M Maroof Zaman, Mikel Changma, Barrister Ahmad Bin Quasem, and Brigadier General Abdullahil Aman Azmi, must be fully exonerated, with efforts made to restore their reputations and address the injustices they endured.
Furthermore, the perpetrators of these crimes must face prosecution. High-ranking officials within the DGFI and other security agencies who orchestrated the operation of secret prisons and enforced disappearances must be brought to justice.
This accountability should extend not only to those directly involved in the torture and detention of individuals but also to those in positions of power who authorized and oversaw these activities.
Dismantling the culture of impunity that has allowed security forces to act without fear of repercussion is another critical step. The government must implement legal reforms to ensure that all state agencies operate within the bounds of the law and that any violations of human rights are met with swift and severe consequences. This shift towards accountability will help restore public trust and reinforce the rule of law.
International oversight is also essential in ensuring the government’s actions are transparent and effective.
The involvement of the United Nations and other international human rights organizations in the investigation process can provide the necessary checks and balances to prevent further abuses.
Their participation will help monitor the government’s progress in addressing these issues and ensure that reforms are not merely superficial.
Committing to comprehensive human rights reforms is imperative for Bangladesh’s future. The new government must abolish practices such as enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and torture. Aligning Bangladesh’s legal and judicial systems with international human rights standards will ensure that all citizens are protected under the law, regardless of their political affiliations or beliefs.
Reforming the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) is another necessary step. The DGFI must operate within the law and respect human rights.
Establishing clear oversight mechanisms, increasing transparency in its operations, and holding its members accountable for any violations are essential measures to prevent future abuses.
The judicial system in Bangladesh also requires significant strengthening to effectively address cases of human rights abuses. This includes training judges and prosecutors to handle cases of enforced disappearances and torture, ensuring that the judiciary operates independently of political influence, and providing the resources necessary to prosecute these cases effectively.
In this broader context, civil society organizations and the international community play a vital role in ensuring that the abuses at Aynaghar are addressed and that human rights are protected in Bangladesh.
Civil society organizations must continue to document cases of enforced disappearances and torture, provide support to victims and their families, and advocate for justice and accountability.
In addressing the ongoing human rights abuses at Aynaghar, civil society organizations like Mayer Daak have been instrumental in raising awareness and demanding accountability, particularly for enforced disappearances in Bangladesh. Mayer Daak, founded in 2014, was created by Hazera Khatun after her son, Sajedul Islam Sumon, was forcibly disappeared in 2013. This organization has provided a platform for families of the disappeared to come together, share their stories, and advocate for justice despite the risks of further retaliation by the state.
Mayer Daak’s efforts have gained international recognition, serving as a powerful symbol of resistance against authoritarianism in Bangladesh. The organization plays a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of those affected by enforced disappearances, making their stories known both within the country and to the global community.
By documenting the cases of disappearances, organizing public events, and collaborating with international human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch (HRW), Mayer Daak has successfully put pressure on the Bangladeshi government, even though the government frequently dismisses or ridicules their claims. The group has faced accusations of political bias, particularly its association with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), but its mission remains focused on demanding the truth about what happened to the disappeared and advocating for their families[1][2][3].
In addition to Mayer Daak, other organizations like Odhikar and the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) have been actively involved in highlighting human rights abuses in Bangladesh, including enforced disappearances. Odhikar, in particular, has been documenting disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings, often under difficult circumstances due to government repression. These organizations work alongside international bodies to keep the pressure on the Bangladeshi government, with campaigns calling for investigations and justice for victims of enforced disappearances.
These civil society efforts are crucial in ensuring that the stories of victims are not forgotten, and that the perpetrators are held accountable. The international community plays a significant role in supporting these efforts by imposing sanctions, providing technical assistance to strengthen human rights frameworks, and amplifying the calls for justice. While the struggle for justice continues, the courage of organizations like Mayer Daak offers hope for families seeking answers and a future where such human rights violations are no longer met with impunity.
The international community must continue to pressure the Bangladeshi government to address the Aynaghar abuses by imposing sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for human rights violations, providing technical assistance to strengthen Bangladesh’s human rights framework, and supporting civil society organizations in their efforts.
A New Beginning for Bangladesh
The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime has provided Bangladesh with a unique opportunity to confront the dark chapters of its recent history and to take meaningful steps toward justice and reconciliation. The stories of victims like Firoz Mahmud Hasan, M Maroof Zaman, Mikel Changma, Barrister Ahmad Bin Quasem, and Brigadier General Abdullahil Aman Azmi, and the revelations about Aynaghar serve as stark reminders of the dangers of unchecked state power and the importance of safeguarding human rights.
By holding those responsible accountable and implementing comprehensive human rights reforms, Bangladesh can begin to heal the wounds of the past and build a more just and equitable society. As the country moves forward, it is essential that the government not only addresses the specific abuses that took place in Aynaghar but also ensures that such violations are never repeated. Only through a commitment to justice, transparency, and the rule of law can Bangladesh hope to create a future where the rights and dignity of all its citizens are protected.
