, April 17 -- Sylhet district BNP on Friday organised a doa mahfil seeking the recovery and safe return of disappeared BNP leader and former lawmaker M Ilias Ali.

The programme was held at Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) Dargah Mosque after Jummah prayers, with participation of local BNP leaders and activists.

Speaking as chief guest, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee said M Ilias Ali was a dedicated, courageous and pro-democracy leader who had always raised his voice for people's rights and fair elections.

He said that leaders who spoke for the country and democracy often faced risks, adding that political developments in recent years had brought major changes in the country's governance.

Anee also said BNP had now come to po...