Aynaghor (Bengali: আয়নাঘর, romanized: Āẏnāghôr, aka Aynaghar lit. 'House of Mirrors') is a colloquial term referring to a network of clandestine detention centers which were operated by the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), the intelligence branch of Bangladesh's defense forces during the autocratic rule of Hasina regime. These facilities have been linked to enforced disappearances and human rights abuses during the tenure of Sheikh Hasina as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, particularly from 2009 to 2024. The existence of Aynaghor has sparked significant controversy and has been consistently denied by the Hasina regime, which has faced widespread criticism from human rights organizations and activists.[1] [2]
The term "Aynaghor" (আয়নাঘর) comes from the Bengali words "ayna" (আয়না), meaning "mirror" and "ghor" (ঘর), meaning "house" or "room." Thus, "Aynaghor" translates to "house of mirrors." This name reflects the deceptive nature of these facilities, where the harsh realities of detainees' suffering are hidden from public view, similar to how a mirror can distort or obscure an image.
The term became widely known through reports detailing the experiences of individuals allegedly held in these secret prisons. Victims have shared accounts of inhumane treatment, isolation and torture. The facilities are described as having thick walls and iron doors that block out all light, creating an environment of complete darkness for the detainees. This oppressive setting highlights the term's significance, as it represents the hidden and brutal realities of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh. Over time, "Aynaghor" has come to symbolize broader issues of state repression, human rights violations, and the struggle for political freedom, serving as a reminder of the victims' suffering and the ongoing fight for justice and accountability.[3]
On August 14, 2022, Netra News, a Sweden-based independent news portal, published an investigative whistleblower report alleging that Bangladesh officials were detaining and torturing victims of enforced disappearances at Aynaghar (house of mirrors).
The Sweden-based news portal also revealed the possible location of the secret prison, where victims of enforced disappearances are believed to be held in Bangladesh. The detailed report by Netra News was based on the on-the-record accounts of two victims of enforced disappearances, Sheikh Mohammad Salim, a citizen of Kapasia of Gazipur and ex-captain of the Bangladesh army Hasinur Rahman (Bir Prateek) who say they were held inside the prison situated in the heart of Dhaka.
Photos of the prison cells were also published, which the news site claimed were provided by active-duty military officers.
It is alleged that the Counter-terrorism Intelligence Bureau (CTIB) of DGFI is responsible for the maintenance of the detention center. There are at least 16 rooms with the capacity of holding around 30 detainees at a time. The site is believed to be situated inside the Dhaka Cantonment area of Bangladesh.[4]
Sheikh Hasina's regime was known for forced disappearances and torture of political opponents.[5] [6] After Sheikh Hasina's departure from power, attention turned to Aynaghar and its prisoners. Sheikh Hasina, who had governed Bangladesh for 16 years, faced allegations of using repressive tactics against opposition leaders and critics. Accusations included arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and violence.[7] Aynaghar was reported to have been a site where these actions allegedly took place, leading to widespread concern about human rights violations under her rule.[8] [9]
It is believed[5] that the following persons were detained at the secret detention facility:
Detainees who were released following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina:[12]
On September 11, 2024, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, in his address to the nation marking the one-month anniversary of his administration, announced the signing of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.[13] He stated, He expressed solidarity with the families who have endured years of anguish, waiting for answers about their missing loved ones, and confirmed that Aynaghar has been closed, with plans to release all detainees as soon as possible.[14]
The Netra News report came on the eve of UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet's four-day visit to Bangladesh, where she met with several ministers in Dhaka about widespread allegations of state-sanctioned disappearances. In a departure press conference on August 17, the UN human rights chief stated that there are ongoing, alarming allegations of both short-term and long-term enforced disappearances, as well as concerns about a lack of due process and judicial safeguards, and urged the government to establish an impartial, independent, and transparent investigation into allegations of extrajudicial killing, torture, and enforced disappearances.[15]
Meenakshi Ganguly of Human Rights Watch, in a statement urged the Bangladesh government "to take the first step toward accountability” by holding the perpetrators responsible for enforced disappearance. Bangladesh government officials have dismissed the claims regarding Aynaghar as false and concocted.
Mayer Daak, a platform of families of enforced disappearance victims, organised a rally in support of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet's call for an impartial, independent, and transparent investigation into allegations of enforced disappearance, extrajudicial killing, and torture during her visit to Bangladesh. Its convener, Sanjida Islam, criticised the DGFI for allegedly establishing a secret detention centre and demanded the immediate release of those detained.[16] [17]
A leading newspaper, The Daily Star, has suggested that there may be several other such torture and detention sites in various locations of the country.[18]