Highlights
- Ilias Ali, former BNP Organizing Secretary, disappeared on April 17, 2012
- Former DGFI Chief Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Sheikh Mamun Khaled claims disappearance linked to political opposition
- Operation allegedly carried out under directives of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with RAB involvement
- Mamun Khaled currently in remand over a separate anti-discrimination-related murder case
- Other former DGFI officials also under investigation for controversial actions
Former Director General of the Defence Intelligence Directorate (DGFI), Lieutenant General (Retd.) Sheikh Mamun Khaled has spoken about the disappearance of M. Ilias Ali, the former BNP Organizing Secretary. He stated that Elias Ali had publicly opposed certain projects, including the Tipaimukh dam and Bangladesh-India transit and transshipment agreements. He said,
“টিপাইমুখ বাঁধ এবং ভারতের সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশের ট্রানজিট ও ট্রান্সশিপমেন্ট চুক্তির বিরুদ্ধে অবস্থান নিয়ে আন্দোলনের ঘোষণা দেন ইলিয়াস আলী। এসব কারণেই তাকে গুম করা হয়।”
Translation: Ilias Ali announced protests against the Tipaimukh dam and transit and transshipment agreements with India. For these reasons, he was abducted.
Operation Conducted Under High-Level Orders
During interrogation, Mamun Khaled confirmed that the entire operation was carried out under the orders of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with participation from RAB. He also mentioned that senior officials were directly informed both before and after the operation. Elias Ali went missing on the night of April 17, 2012, from Banani area in Dhaka, along with his personal driver. At that time, Mamun Khaled was serving as the DGFI chief.
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Current Investigation and Remand
Mamun Khaled is currently in remand for a separate murder case related to anti-discrimination activism. He is being interrogated by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DB). Reports indicate that he is providing information about controversial activities during both the 11-party government and subsequent Awami League administration. Initially, he claimed innocence but later admitted that two DGFI majors provided technical support for the disappearance. Several other intelligence officers were aware of the matter in advance.
Other Sensitive Information Disclosed
Mamun Khaled also shared information with investigators about other sensitive incidents, including the eviction of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from her residence in Dhaka Cantonment. After the first 5-day remand, the investigation officer requested an additional 7-day remand; the court approved 6 days.
Other DGFI Officials Under Investigation
Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Md. Afzal Nasir, former DGFI director accused of controversial actions during the 11-party government, has also been arrested and is under interrogation. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Joint Commissioner Mohammad Nasirul Islam said that the former military officials are being questioned intensively in remand. Their statements are being verified, and important information is emerging from the process.
Source: Jugantor
