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

The enigma surrounding M Ilias Ali, a well-known Bangladeshi politician of the BNP, is now an everlasting scar on the country’s history. His baffling case remains unsolved to this day and has earned people’s ire.

In April of 2012, M Ilias Ali was a Member of Parliament and organizing secretary of the BNP. On April 18, he disappeared without a trace along with his driver. As days went by, his family and followers were left more lost than ever.

To deepen this mystery, Ali’s car was found several kilometers from his house unattended. Even further concerning was his driver’s cell phone which was found in the car. This case has seen no progress despite the investigations and worldwide media attention.

This year marked the 10th anniversary of M Ilias Ali’s disappearance. The Netra News claimed through certain intelligence documents that the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), one of the police forces in Bangladesh, is involved directly with the case.

Ilias Ali’s disappearance serves as a family tragedy, but more so is an affront to democracy in Bangladesh. It paints a picture of the existing culture of violence and politics which continues to damage the country’s human rights and rule of law.

Ilias Ali, like many others in Bangladesh, disappeared many years ago. While we recall his disappearance, we should try to reflect on how justice has been served to him and his driver, Ansar Ali. His family and people who care about him deserve the justice which is long overdue, and the people who have done this, no matter what position they hold, should be punished if we are to uphold the principles of responsibility and law.

Resolving the mystery around Ilias Ali’s disappearance serves as a challenge in restoring democracy in Bangladesh, highlighting the inadequacies in policies aimed at ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations. There is not much room for those in power to hide behind, but for once conduct a thorough investigation devoid of political bias and respond to Ali’s family and citizens in good faith.