Bangladesh ex-president’s 'night exit' from country raises questions
Former Bangladesh president Mohammad Abdul Hamid's quiet exit from the country last Thursday, May 8, has sparked surprise and protest.
Airport footage showed him wearing a lungi and using a wheelchair as he boarded a Thai Airways flight from Dhaka around 3:05 am.
His sudden departure, which took place under the radar, has drawn attention because it happened amid tight airport security and ongoing political unrest.
The 80-year-old was accompanied by his wife, brother, and brother-in-law. A viral image of him at the airport has since intensified public interest and debate.
The interim government, now led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, was reportedly caught off guard.
Authorities say Hamid left legally and that no court order had barred him from travelling.
“There was no request or application from the police to detain or arrest him in any case,” an airport official who spoke to Dhaka Post was quoted by the Times of India.
Hamid, who served two terms as president, is reported to be facing a murder charge.
His escape has sparked criticism from student activists, who are demanding that officials responsible for allowing his departure be held accountable within 24 hours.
The political climate in Bangladesh has been tense since August, when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India following a student-led uprising.
Many top leaders from the Awami League party have since been jailed or gone missing.
