DHAKA, June 9: Bangladesh’s former president Abdul Hamid, who served two terms during deposed premier Sheikh Hasina’s regime, returned to the country after receiving medical treatment abroad.
His “secret departure” sparked protests in Bangladesh for being allowed to leave despite being accused in a murder case. Hamid arrived in Thailand on a Thai Airways flight and left the airport after completing required immigration formalities.
His quiet departure sparked loud protests, with leaders and activists of the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) accusing authorities of allowing Hamid to flee despite being accused in a murder case.
Home Affairs Adviser Retd Lt Gen Jahangir Alam Chowdhury had vowed to step down if he failed to take punitive action against the officials involved, claiming he was unaware of the departure at the time.
Following the protests, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s interim government formed two inquiry committees, one of which comprised three advisers.
The authorities also suspended two police officers and withdrew another from his assignment in airport immigration on charges of “negligence of duty.”
During a routine visit to a police station in the capital, home adviser Chowdhury said that the question of Hamid’s arrest upon his arrival did not arise as there was no warrant against him.
An investigation into the case is underway, and Hamid would face legal actions if he were found guilty of committing any crime.
Media reports and sources close to Hamid said he was diagnosed with cancer and was getting treated in Bangkok. (PTI)
