How Bangladesh ex-president Abdul Hamid manage to flee to Thailand; Muhammad Yunus govt launches probe

Former Bangladesh President Mohammad Abdul Hamid took the country's interim government by surprise after he fled to Thailand overnight. He embarked on a Thai Airways flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka around 3 am on Thursday.

This has shocked and embarrassed the Muhammad Yunus government as Hamid was under investigation for actions taken against protesters during the student-led agitation in 2024. The former Awami League parliamentarian is also named a co-accused in a murder case wherein protesters were shot dead.

Mohammad Abdul Hamid, 81, was the Bangladesh president from 2013 to 2023.

The government suspended and transferred officials in connection with Hamid's escape. These include including the Superintendent of Kishoreganj Police and an Additional Superintendent of Police of the Immigration Police, both of whom were withdrawn. Two other police officers, including a sub-inspector and an assistant sub-inspector were also suspended.

A high-level committee headed by Education Adviser Prof C R Abrar was formed to investigate the case and submit a report within 15 days. Other members in the panel include Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Labour and Employment Adviser and retired Brigadier General M Sakhawat Hossain.

Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the home affairs adviser, said he would step down if he cannot hunt down those who collaborated and helped Hamid leave the country.

The latest development comes after Awami League was banned by the interim government under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Responding to the ban on Awami League, the party said "all decisions of the illegal government are illegal."

In October 2024, Awami League's student wing Bangladesh Chhatra League was banned as the government called it a terrorist outfit for attacking protesters.

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