Bangladesh president orders release of jailed ex-PM and opposition chief Khaleda Zia

DHAKA: On Monday, Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin authorised the release of Khaleda Zia, the former prime minister and prominent opposition leader, shortly after the military took control of the government and ousted her main rival, Sheikh Hasina.

The president’s press team announced on Monday that a meeting chaired by Shahabuddin had “decided unanimously to free Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia immediately.”

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday resigned and left Bangladesh, facilitated by the Bangladesh Army. The news of her departure spread, and Bangladeshi citizens took to the streets in celebration. Jubilant crowds marked the end of Hasina’s tenure with festivities, reflecting widespread public sentiment.

More to follow

Read more: Bangladesh’s history of upheaval and coups