Wing Commander Saifur taken into custody over alleged role in Ilias Ali disappearance

Journalist Zulkarnain Saer confirmed the matter in a post on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday

Wing Commander Md Saifur Rahman of the Bangladesh Air Force has been taken into the custody of the appropriate authorities of the Air Force over allegations of involvement in the enforced disappearance and killing of former Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) lawmaker M Ilias Ali.

Journalist Zulkarnain Saer confirmed the matter in a post on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday.

According to the Air Force authorities, the officer was taken into custody after his alleged involvement surfaced in the testimony of Bangladesh Army Warrant Officer Imrul Kayes before the International Crimes Tribunal on 21 June, 2026.

Kayes was giving evidence in a crimes against humanity case relating to more than 100 alleged cases of enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killings.

The testimony alleged that Saifur Rahman, then serving as a Squadron Leader, was posted to the Intelligence Wing of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) at the time of Ilias Ali's alleged abduction and killing.

Wing Commander Saifur is also the son-in-law of former Bangladesh Army Chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed.