Authorities have launched an investigation after the unexpected departure of former President Md. Abdul Hamid sparked widespread criticism and confusion across the country, with officials and the public questioning how he managed to leave despite political turmoil and scrutiny.
Abdul Hamid flew out on a Thai Airways flight from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 3:05 am on Wednesday, prompting outrage among student groups, activists, and opposition supporters involved in the mass uprising earlier in July. Many expressed their anger on social media, accusing officials of facilitating his exit.
In response, the government has taken preliminary disciplinary measures. A superintendent of police (SP) and an additional SP have been withdrawn from duty, while two lower-ranking officers—one sub-inspector (SI) and one assistant sub-inspector (ASI)—have been suspended, officials confirmed.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also formed a three-member investigative committee led by Additional Inspector General of Police Md. Matiur Rahman Sheikh. The panel has been tasked with submitting a report within three working days.
Responding to a question from journalists after visiting Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that a few people have already been suspended and an investigation committee has been formed in connection with the departure of former President Md. Abdul Hamid. The investigation committee has been asked to submit a report within three working days. Strict legal action will be taken against the guilty according to the report.
When asked whether the former President had a Special Branch (SB) ban on his foreign travel, the Home Affairs Adviser said, “I do not have that information at the moment. However, since you said so, I will look into the matter. The investigation committee is looking into the entire matter thoroughly. If anyone is guilty, he will be punished. Work is being done through Interpol to bring fascist Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country during the mass uprising, back to the country.”
“The process for this is always ongoing. A formal application has been made by the government in this regard and Interpol is continuing the process according to international law. Interpol will not act according to my words. In this case, they (Interpol) will take action according to their laws,” he added.
When asked about the sudden airport inspection, Md Jahangir Alam said, “I have not been abroad since 2011, so I came to know the system, to see how immigration is done. I saw that it has improved a lot from before.’
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
