Chief prosecutor says Ziaul Ahsan led second attempt to abduct Ilias Ali

The International Crimes Tribunal prosecution says former army officer Ziaul Ahsan led a second attempt to abduct BNP leader Ilias Ali after the first bid failed 15 years ago.

Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam on Thursday said the prosecution has sought the tribunal’s approval to formally arrest Wing Commander Saifur Rahman, who is in military custody.

Ilias and his driver were whisked away from Dhaka’s Banani late on Apr 17, 2012. Neither has been traced since.

BNP leaders have alleged that Ilias was taken away on orders from people linked to the then Awami League government.

At the time, Saifur, then an air force squadron leader, served in RAB’s intelligence wing, while Ziaul, a lieutenant colonel, headed the unit.

Ziaul was later dismissed from the army and arrested after the Awami League government fell. He had risen to major general and last served as director general of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre.

Saifur was detained from his home on Jul 26 by the Provost Marshal’s Office and later held at a special military facility.

His name emerged in June during testimony by army warrant officer Imrul Kayes in a tribunal case over enforced disappearances and killings.

“Preliminary investigation and witness testimony have found evidence of Wing Commander Saifur’s direct involvement in Ilias Ali’s abduction,” Aminul told bdnews24.com on Thursday.

He said investigators were also examining the roles of others, including retired Lt Gen Sheikh Mamun Khaled.

The chief prosecutor expects a tribunal order on Saifur’s formal arrest on Sunday.