Dhaka, June 17 (UNB) – BNP standing committee member Moudud Ahmed on Sunday asked the government to immediately trace missing BNP leader M Ilias Ali or quit shouldering its failure in this regard.

“Either return Ilias Ali immediately or stand aside,” he asked the government while addressing a token hunger strike programme in front of the National Press Club in the city.

Swadhinata Forum Kendria Sangsad, an associate organisation of BNP, arranged the programme demanding the safe return o former MP Ilias Ali.

Ilias Ali, BNP organising secretary, went missing along with his driver on April 17 midnight. BNP blamed security agencies for his mysterious disappearance, an allegation denied by the government.

Moudud again claimed that the members of intelligence forces made Ilias disappeared. “The government has to take the whole responsibility for the enforced disappearance of Ilias Ali,” he added.

He said if the present government fails to unearth the mystery behind his disappearance, “BNP will unfold the mystery if it is voted to power and mete out exemplary punishment to those behind it.”

Referring to the recent sensational murder incidents, including that of journalist couple Sagar and Runi and a Saudi diplomat, he said, the country’s law and order situation has gone out of control due to state-sponsored terrorism.

Addressing the function, opposition chief whip Zainul Abdin Farroque said they would force the government to return Ilias Ali by launching a tougher movement.