What Happened During Mohammad Abdul Hamid’s Departure?
You might be wondering about the recent news of former Bangladesh President Mohammad Abdul Hamid leaving for Thailand on May 8, 2025. His sudden departure has caused a big stir, at around 3:05 AM, Mohammad Abdul Hamid left Bangladesh on a Thai Airways flight (TG 340) from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. He was with his wife, brother, and brother-in-law. Many found it surprising that he was dressed in a lungi, a traditional garment, and was in a wheelchair, as seen in airport security footage that spread quickly online.
Hamid said he was going to Thailand for medical treatment. However, many believe he left to avoid legal trouble, as he’s accused in a murder case linked to the violent crackdown on protesters during the 2024 anti-Hasina protests. This happened just nine months after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government was removed in a student-led uprising, and the Awami League was banned by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
How Did People and the Government React to President Mohammad Abdul Hamid’s Exit?
Hamid’s departure shocked the interim government, as they weren’t prepared for it. They took quick action by suspending or transferring several police and immigration officials who allowed him to leave. A high-level probe committee was also set up to investigate how this happened, especially since Hamid was under investigation. Airport officials explained that, legally, they couldn’t stop him because there was no court order or police request to detain him, as per Bangladesh’s Constitution (Articles 34 and 102). Meanwhile, the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) group, which played a big role in the anti-Hasina protests, gave a 24-hour ultimatum, demanding accountability for those who let Hamid go. This has led to a lot of public anger and questions about the interim government’s ability to handle such situations.
What Does This Mean for Bangladesh’s Political Scene?
Political World is curious about the bigger picture here. Hamid’s exit is part of a trend where many Awami League leaders have left Bangladesh after the regime change. Unlike others who were caught or arrested, Hamid managed to leave without any resistance, making people wonder if there was some kind of help or mistake by the authorities. The image of him leaving in a lungi and wheelchair has become a powerful symbol of the Awami League’s downfall and the changing power dynamics in Bangladesh. This event has put more pressure on the interim government, raising concerns about transparency and control, and it shows how the political situation in Bangladesh remains unstable after the 2024 uprising.
