In recent weeks, shocking revelations have emerged about the notorious “House of Mirrors,” a secret detention facility operated by Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). This grim chapter of Bangladesh’s recent history has resurfaced amidst political upheaval, shining a light on the harrowing experiences of those imprisoned in this dark and sinister place.

The Emergence of the House of Mirrors

The “House of Mirrors,” a name that evokes a chilling sense of dread, was a secret detention center hidden within the DGFI’s compound in Dhaka. For years, this facility was shrouded in mystery, with rumors and whispers circulating among families of the disappeared and human rights organizations. The facility earned its macabre nickname due to the oppressive conditions and the psychological torment inflicted upon its prisoners.

The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh has brought the House of Mirrors into the spotlight. With the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, whose government had been accused of orchestrating numerous enforced disappearances, the truth about this dark chapter in the country’s history is finally coming to light.

A Survivor’s Story: Michael Chakma’s Ordeal

Michael Chakma, a prominent activist campaigning for the rights of the Chittagong Hill Tracts’ Buddhist minority, was abducted in April 2019. His disappearance became a symbol of the broader crisis of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh. Chakma was forcibly taken and blindfolded by masked men before being confined in a cell at the House of Mirrors.

For over five years, Chakma lived in near-total darkness, with no sunlight or natural light to break the monotony of his existence. The cell was equipped with only two roaring exhaust fans, which added to the disorienting environment. Chakma’s days were filled with the sounds of other prisoners’ screams and the relentless whirring of industrial fans, creating a nightmarish atmosphere where time and reality seemed to blend into one another.

The Fight for Justice

Michael Chakma’s family, particularly his sister Minti Chakma, endured immense anguish during his disappearance. Despite their efforts to seek justice and uncover his whereabouts, the authorities provided no answers. Their search led them to file a writ petition in the High Court in 2020, but it yielded no results.

In August 2020, Michael’s father passed away from Covid-19, and the family, bereft of hope, held a symbolic funeral for him in keeping with their Buddhist traditions. The emotional toll on the Chakma family was profound, as they grappled with the uncertainty of Michael’s fate and the trauma of their prolonged struggle for answers.

The Revelation of the House of Mirrors

The existence of the House of Mirrors was only confirmed following a 2022 investigation by Netra News. This report detailed the horrifying conditions within the facility, aligning with the accounts of former detainees like Michael Chakma. The investigation provided a chilling glimpse into the reality of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh, shedding light on the suffering endured by those imprisoned in this dark and oppressive place.

Other Testimonies: Maroof Zaman’s Experience

Maroof Zaman, a former Bangladeshi diplomat, was also held in the House of Mirrors. His account, detailed in a curentnews interview, describes a similar ordeal. Zaman was detained in December 2017 and subjected to severe torture and psychological abuse. His release in March 2019 came after a public campaign by his daughters and supporters.

Zaman’s testimony echoes Chakma’s experience, with both men recounting the same terrifying conditions: dark cells, constant noise, and brutal interrogations. Zaman’s accounts, along with those of other former detainees, have provided critical insights into the extent of human rights abuses committed at the House of Mirrors.

The Aftermath and Ongoing Impact

The collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government has prompted the release of detainees from the House of Mirrors, bringing some relief to the families of the disappeared. However, the scars left by the facility’s operations are deep and lasting. Human rights organizations continue to document cases of enforced disappearances and seek justice for those who suffered under the previous regime.

As the world grapples with the revelations about the House of Mirrors, it is essential to remember the individuals whose lives were irrevocably altered by this dark chapter in Bangladesh’s history. The stories of Michael Chakma, Maroof Zaman, and others serve as powerful reminders of the need for transparency, accountability, and justice in addressing human rights abuses.

• About Us
• Contact Us
• Privacy Policy
• Terms And Condition