Ex-Bodyguard Testifies Against Ziaul Ahsan, Claims Involvement in Killings After Pilkhana Incident

A witness testimony presented in a human rights-related tribunal case has alleged that former senior military officer Ziaul Ahsan was involved in a series of enforced disappearances and killings that took place over several years, including incidents following the Pilkhana mutiny.

The claims were made on Sunday (21 June) by Imrul Kayes, a former bodyguard of Ziaul Ahsan, who appeared as the fifth witness in the ongoing proceedings at the tribunal. According to his statement, several incidents of abduction and killing were carried out under coordinated operations, including what was described as “Operation Rebel Hunt” following the 2009 Pilkhana tragedy.

In his testimony, the witness alleged that around 10 members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), previously known as BDR, were killed after being taken into custody. He further stated that the victims were allegedly subjected to lethal injections before their bodies were disposed of in the Buriganga River. These claims have not been independently verified in the court proceedings.
 

The witness also linked Ziaul Ahsan to multiple other incidents of enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killings that reportedly took place across different regions of the country. He referenced cases involving political figures and civilians, including the disappearance of BNP leader Ilias Ali in 2012, suggesting coordination at high levels of authority.

During his testimony, Imrul Kayes also referred to alleged communication between senior security officials and political leadership, including claims involving former national security adviser Tarique Siddique. These statements form part of a broader set of allegations being examined in the ongoing tribunal case.

According to the formal charges presented earlier in the case, Ziaul Ahsan faces accusations related to killings and disappearances between 2010 and 2013, including incidents in Gazipur and Barguna, where dozens of individuals are alleged to have been killed or forcibly disappeared.

The tribunal had previously ordered the commencement of formal proceedings earlier this year following the framing of charges on 14 January. Authorities have yet to issue a final judgment, and the accused has not publicly responded in detail to the latest testimony.

The case remains under judicial review, and further hearings are expected as additional witnesses are scheduled to provide statements in the coming sessions.