Why Did Ex-Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid Flee in a Lungi at 3 AM? Full Story Inside
In a dramatic twist in Bangladesh's evolving political landscape, former President Mohammad Abdul Hamid left the country in the early hours of Monday, boarding a Thai Airways flight from Dhaka International Airport at 3 AM, reportedly without formal clearance from the interim government.
In a dramatic twist in Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape, former President Mohammad Abdul Hamid left the country in the early hours of Monday, boarding a Thai Airways flight from Dhaka International Airport at 3 AM, reportedly without formal clearance from the interim government.
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Quiet Exit While the Nation Slept
Hamid’s departure occurred while most of the country was asleep. By the time officials in the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government were alerted, the former president had already left Bangladeshi airspace.
- He reportedly left wearing a lungi and in a wheelchair, as shown in a widely circulated CCTV image, accompanied by his brother and brother-in-law, reportedly for medical treatment in Thailand.
Immediate Fallout: Officials Suspended, Probe Ordered
The sudden exit triggered immediate administrative action:
- Several police officers were suspended and transferred.
- A high-level investigation was launched, led by Education Adviser CR Abrar, to determine how Hamid was able to leave the country.
Accused in Murder Case Linked to Anti-Hasina Protests
Abdul Hamid, who served as Bangladesh’s President from 2013 to 2023, is a co-accused in a murder case linked to the crackdown on anti-Sheikh Hasina protests in 2024.
- The case, filed at Kishoreganj Sadar police station on January 14, also names:
- Sheikh Hasina,
- Her relatives: Sheikh Rehana, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and Saima Wazed Putul,
- And former minister Obaidul Quader.
The Hasina regime was accused of ordering firing on protesters during a massive anti-reservation and anti-government agitation, which later merged with the broader anti-Awami League movement.
SAD Demands Action, Political Fallout Grows
The Students Against Discrimination (SAD), the youth group that led the anti-reservation and anti-Hasina stir, has demanded punitive action within 24 hours against those responsible for allowing Hamid to flee.
Political figures such as Hannan Masud alleged that Hamid’s escape was facilitated with the knowledge of top officials, including President Mohammed Shahabuddin Chuppu.
From Awami Loyalist to Exile
Before becoming President, Hamid had a long-standing association with the Awami League, starting his political journey through its student wing, the Chhatra League, which was banned by the interim government in October 2024.
Ironically, Hamid’s own residence was demolished during the February Bulldozer Programme, a campaign targeting alleged corruption-linked properties, including the historic Dhanmondi 32 residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Awami League Officially Banned
Hamid’s exit comes shortly after a series of decisive actions by the interim government:
- On Monday, a gazette notification formally banned the Awami League under a revised anti-terrorism law.
- The Election Commission also cancelled the party’s registration, effectively disqualifying it from contesting future elections.
End of an Era?
Formed in 1949, the Awami League was instrumental in the Liberation War of 1971, but now stands banned, with key leaders including Sheikh Hasina in exile.
Hamid’s unceremonious departure has sparked national outrage, with critics saying that justice was denied and accountability avoided.
