Former Bangladeshi President Mohammad Abdul Hamid fled the country under dramatic circumstances last week, sparking public outrage and political chaos. His escape comes as student protests intensify against the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
Secret Midnight Escape
On May 8, Hamid reportedly slipped out of Bangladesh during the early hours. Reports say he left quietly at night wearing only a lungi, portraying a scene straight out of a movie. His destination: Bangkok, Thailand. Accompanied by his son Riad Ahmed and brother-in-law Naushad Khan, Hamid boarded Thai Airways flight TG 340 from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 3:05 am and landed in Bangkok by 6:15 am local time.
Despite being wheelchair, Hamid faced no travel restrictions. When asked why he was allowed to leave, an airport official told Dhaka Post, “According to Articles 34 and 102 of the Constitution, no Bangladeshi citizen can be prevented from travelling unless there is a specific ban from the court. We have not received any instructions to ban him.”
Who Is Mohammad Abdul Hamid?
Hamid has been active in Bangladeshi politics since 1959. He officially entered politics in 1969 by joining the Awami League and later became an MP from Mymensingh-18. He is best known for serving two consecutive terms as Bangladesh’s president, from 2013 to 2023—a first in the nation’s history. Hamid was known for his modest lifestyle and humorous speeches.
But after Sheikh Hasina was removed from office in August last year, the 81-year-old former president was named in a murder case filed in Kishoreganj. The same case also includes Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and daughter Saima Wazed Putul.
Accused of Role in Crackdown
Hamid is also under investigation for actions taken during the violent crackdown on student-led protests in 2024. His residence was among several buildings demolished by enraged citizens during February’s “Bulldozer Programme.” Even the historic Dhanmondi 32 house of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, now a museum, was not spared.
Rising Public Outrage
Following his escape, many questioned how Hamid was allowed to leave without being stopped. The Students Against Discrimination (SAD), the group that led last year’s anti-reservation protests, issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding accountability.
Nahid Islam, a key protest organiser and head of the National Citizens Party, expressed his frustration on Facebook: “The illegal fascist government’s president has been allowed to flee before our eyes. Our trust in the authorities’ pledge to deliver justice is now in doubt.”
The Gana Adhikar Parishad, another political group, gave the government 48 hours to bring Hamid back. Meanwhile, National Citizens Party activists staged a protest outside acting Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus’ residence, calling for a complete ban on the Awami League.
Investigation Begins
Responding to the backlash, the interim government formed a special investigation committee led by Education Adviser Prof C R Abrar. The panel includes Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Labour Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain. They have been asked to submit their findings within 15 days.
Home Affairs Adviser Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said he would resign if he failed to identify and punish those responsible for allowing Hamid’s escape.
Three officials have already been suspended during the probe. These include an airport immigration superintendent, a Special Branch officer, and the investigating officer in the murder case.
A Netra News report also claimed that both the National Security Intelligence (NSI) and the Directorate-General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) approved Hamid’s departure.
A Pattern of Escapes?
Hamid is not the only leader from Hasina’s Awami League to flee. Since her ouster in 2023, over one lakh party members have reportedly crossed into India, according to interim government adviser Mahfuj Alam.
Some senior figures attempted dramatic escapes. On August 13, former law minister Anisul Huq and investment adviser Salman F Rahman tried to flee by boat, disguised as villagers. But local residents recognised them and handed them over to the police. They are now facing charges related to the killing of two student protesters.
