Ex-President Abdul Hamid Returns to Bangladesh from Thailand

Former President Abdul Hamid arrived back in Bangladesh early Monday morning after spending nearly a month receiving medical treatment in Bangkok.

Hamid, who served two consecutive terms as president during the previous Awami League administration, traveled to Thailand on May 8 aboard Thai Airways flight TG-340 for health reasons. He was accompanied by his younger son, Riyad Ahmed, and brother-in-law, Dr. Naushad Khan.

His departure from the country stirred significant controversy, as Hamid is currently implicated in a case concerning the deadly crackdown during the July 2024 uprising. Following his exit, two police officers were removed from their posts and two others suspended due to negligence related to the incident. Additionally, the interim government formed committees to investigate his departure.

On January 14, Kishoreganj Sadar Police Station filed a case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Abdul Hamid, 123 others, and 250 unidentified individuals. The allegations include attacks on a rally, firing shots, and involvement in terrorist activities during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

Hamid landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka around 1:30 a.m. on Thai Airways flight TG-339, according to HSIA Executive Director Group Captain SM Ragib Samad. He was assisted off the plane in a wheelchair.

He proceeded through immigration by 1:45 a.m. and departed the airport for his residence shortly before 3 a.m.