Even though two years have already elapsed after the disappearance of former BNP lawmaker Ilyas Ali, all the family members still hope for his return.
Law enforcers, however, said although they could not make any progress in the investigation, they were trying their best to find out the missing lawmaker.
Talking to the Dhaka Tribune, the family members of the BNP leader said they still believe that Ilyas Ali would come back even after he had been ‘forced disappeared’ two years ago.
Since the missing of Ilyas Ali at night on April 17 in 2012, his family and BNP leaders pointed the finger at the law enforcers for the disappearance of the BNP leader, but the law enforcers as usual denied the allegation rather they claimed that they were trying to find out the former lawmaker.
Tahsina Rushdir Luna, wife of Ilyas Ali, told the Dhaka Tribune that people from different sections, including media people, wanted to know about Ilyas Ali. “I have no answer. What should I say? How I will seek help from the government and the law enforcement agencies? Those who destroyed my family would have to face the trial of Almighty Allah,” she said.
Wing Commander ATM Habibur Rahman, director of Legal and Media Wing of Rapid Action Battalion, said like in the past, they continued carrying out their activities to find out Ilyas Ali. “Our activities will continue until the missing BNP leader is traced.”
He also denied the allegation of any involvement of RAB in the abduction or disappearance of the BNP leader.
According to different human rights bodies, over 170 people have fallen victim to ‘forced disappearance’ in recent years. They pointed the finger at the officials of RAB and police as ‘miscreants’ picked up most of the victims, posing as the lawmen.
Of them, a t least 50 people were picked up in last three months this year while 53 in 2013. The victims include politicians, businessmen, students, teachers, and leaders and activists of the ruling Awami League and the BNP.
According to Ain O Salish Kendra, more than 156 people went missing during the period between 2009 and 2013.
