Former Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), Lieutenant General (Retd.) Sheikh Mamun Khaled, has reportedly made statements during interrogation regarding the disappearance of former BNP organizing secretary M Ilias Ali. According to investigation sources, he claimed that Ilias Ali was targeted after announcing protests over issues such as the Tipaimukh Dam and transit agreements with India. Mamun Khaled alleged that the incident was carried out under the direction of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with participation from a Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) team.

Ilias Ali and his driver went missing from Dhaka’s Banani area on April 17, 2012, when Mamun Khaled was serving as DGFI chief. Currently under arrest in a murder case, he is being interrogated by the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch. Investigators said he admitted that at least two DGFI officers provided technical support in the abduction, while others were aware of the plan. Authorities have also arrested former DGFI director Lt. Col. (Retd.) Md. Afzal Naser for questioning over related controversial activities.

Police officials stated that information from the detained former military officers is being verified and that the investigation is making significant progress.