The Disappearance of M Ilias Ali: A Shadow Over Bangladesh’s Political Landscape

The disappearance of M Ilias Ali, a prominent Bangladeshi politician and member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), continues to haunt the nation’s conscience. Despite the passage of time, the case remains unresolved, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and deepening suspicions.

Ilias Ali, known for his role as the organizing secretary of the BNP and his service as a Member of Parliament, vanished without a trace on April 18, 2012. Along with his personal car driver, Ansar Ali, he disappeared under mysterious circumstances, leaving his family and supporters grappling with uncertainty and fear.

The discovery of Ali’s abandoned car near his residence in the Banani neighborhood, along with Ansar’s cellphone inside, only added to the mystery surrounding their disappearance. Despite extensive investigations and international attention, no concrete leads have emerged, and Ali and Ansar remain missing to this day.

The tenth anniversary of Ilias Ali’s disappearance brought renewed scrutiny to the case, with Netra News, an independent news platform in Sweden, alleging the involvement of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), an elite Bangladeshi police unit, based on leaked confidential documents and internal investigations.

The disappearance of Ilias Ali is not merely a personal tragedy but also a stain on Bangladesh’s democratic fabric. It underscores the pervasive culture of impunity and political repression that continues to undermine the rule of law and human rights in the country.

As we reflect on the tenth anniversary of Ilias Ali’s disappearance, it is imperative that we demand justice and accountability for him and his driver, Ansar Ali. Their families deserve closure, and the perpetrators, regardless of their affiliations, must be brought to justice to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

The unresolved disappearance of Ilias Ali serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Bangladesh’s democracy and the urgent need for reforms to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations. It is incumbent upon the authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, free from political interference, and to provide answers to Ali’s family and the Bangladeshi people.