Dhaka: Bangladesh Police initiated an investigation into the alleged forced adoption of children between 1976 and 1979, with a focus on adoptions to the Netherlands nearly five decades ago.
The police recently confirmed of its commitment to conducting a fair and impartial inquiry into these historic cases.
"Shedding light on the matter has ignited a deep sense of responsibility. We commit to conducting a fair and impartial investigation, striving to contribute meaningfully to the nation's healing process," Special Branch's Special Superintendent Tahsin Mashroof Hossain Mashfi said.
The investigation was prompted by a letter from Saida Muna Tasneem, Bangladesh's high commissioner to the UK, in August 2023. Saida urged the then-foreign minister, AK Abdul Momen, to look into allegations of forced adoptions.
The letter was subsequently forwarded to the home ministry, leading to the initiation of the police investigation. Saida Muna Tasneem confirmed these developments.
Following her letter, the foreign ministry directed the home ministry to investigate the matter. In January, the Special Branch officially commenced its inquiry.
British newspaper The Guardian recently published a series of reports on allegations that children were lured from vulnerable families during 1976-79 using a tactic known as the "boarding school scam". Families were allegedly offered temporary shelter for their children, only to discover later that they were adopted abroad without their consent.