WORLD NEWS

Former Bangladeshi President Abdul Hamid reportedly fled the country under mysterious circumstances following the ban on the Awami League. According to Indian media sources, including India Today, Hamid departed from Dhaka International Airport at 3 am on a Thai Airways flight. His sudden departure has sparked a political storm, leading the interim government to launch an immediate investigation.
The Mystery of Abdul Hamid’s Departure:
Sources claim that Abdul Hamid, dressed in a traditional lungi (dhoti), left the country in the dead of night. The interim government, upon discovering his escape, took swift action, suspending and transferring several officials. A high-level committee was also formed to investigate the incident.
Government’s Response:
The interim government, headed by Muhammad Yunus, responded quickly to this development, stating that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding Hamid’s sudden flight. CR Abrar, an Education Advisor, has been appointed to head the investigation committee. This comes after Abdul Hamid was among the individuals under scrutiny for his involvement in harsh measures against protesters during the anti-Sheikh Hasina protests.
Family's Statement vs. Political Opposition:
While Hamid’s family claims that his departure was for medical treatment in Thailand, his political opponents allege that the former president fled to escape potential legal action. Bangladeshi politician Hanan Masood suggested that insiders might have played a role in facilitating Hamid’s flight, possibly to shield him from lawsuits.
Hamid’s political career has been closely tied to the Awami League, as he had been a member of the parliament for the party in the past and had started his political journey with the Chhatra League, the student wing of the party. However, tensions have escalated after the interim government banned the Chhatra League in October 2024.
Background on Abdul Hamid:
Abdul Hamid’s political career and ties to the Awami League have made him a controversial figure. In February, his residence was demolished during a crackdown led by extremist religious groups. The demolition of his house was part of a broader program aimed at targeting political figures and organizations perceived as opposing the interim government’s policies.
The Ongoing Investigation:
The Bangladeshi news agency reported that the government has launched a high-level investigation into the former president’s flight. The investigation committee is expected to uncover the reasons behind his sudden departure and the role of potential insiders in facilitating the escape.
As the situation develops, the Bangladeshi political landscape remains tense, with the interim government facing increasing pressure to address the fallout from Abdul Hamid’s departure and the ongoing investigation.