Dhaka, Dec. 18 -- The Advisory Council has given final approval to the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Redress Ordinance 2025, paving the way for a legal framework that allows a tribunal to formally declare a missing person "disappeared" if they remain untraced for five years.

The ordinance, drafted by the law ministry, received clearance on Thursday at the council's weekly meeting, chaired by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.

The ordinance also allows the government to appoint public prosecutors for the tribunal on enforced disappearance prevention and redress, based on the recommendations of the Human Rights Commission.

Victims or complainants will also be able to appoint lawyers on their behalf at the tribunal.

It also includes a...