A witness before Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has alleged that dismissed army officer Major General Ziaul Ahsan was directly involved in the disappearance of BNP central leader M Ilias Ali. The testimony came from Imrul Kayes, a former army member who once served as Ziaul’s bodyguard, during a hearing on crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the Awami League government. Ziaul, who was brought to the tribunal under heavy police guard, was accused of leading abduction, torture, and murder operations while serving as head of RAB intelligence and later as director general of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center.

Imrul’s detailed statement described multiple incidents between 2011 and 2012, including the alleged abduction of Ilias Ali near Mohakhali, disposal of bodies along rail tracks and rivers, and staged operations in the Sundarbans. He claimed Ziaul ordered killings by gunfire and lethal injections, estimating 150 to 200 deaths during his 15 months of service under him. Imrul said he testified out of conscience and appealed for justice so that no soldier faces similar moral conflict.

The tribunal continues to hear evidence in the case involving enforced disappearances, torture, and killings attributed to Ziaul and his associates.