Sylhet BNP holds doa mahfil for Ilias Ali, victim of enforced disappearance

Sylhet district BNP on Friday organised a doa mahfil seeking the recovery and safe return of disappeared BNP leader and former lawmaker M Ilias Ali.

The programme was held at Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) Dargah Mosque after Jummah prayers, with participation of local BNP leaders and activists.

Speaking as chief guest, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee said M Ilias Ali was a dedicated, courageous and pro-democracy leader who had always raised his voice for people’s rights and fair elections.

He said that leaders who spoke for the country and democracy often faced risks, adding that political developments in recent years had brought major changes in the country’s governance.

Anee also said BNP had now come to power through the people’s mandate, with Tarique Rahman serving as Prime Minister, while noting that many party leaders and activists had faced repression over the years.

Sylhet District BNP President and City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kayyum Chowdhury said Ilias Ali played a key role in leading the party during difficult times and had become a symbol of public rights. He added that the circumstances of his disappearance remained a matter of deep concern even after 14 years, calling for clarity on the issue.

Sylhet-6 MP and District BNP General Secretary Advocate Imran Ahmad Chowdhury described the disappearance of Ilias Ali as a “dark chapter” of the previous Awami League era.

The event concluded with special prayers seeking the recovery of Ilias Ali as well as peace and welfare for the country and party leaders and activists.