Published : 08 May 2025, 11:22 PM
Four police officers have faced disciplinary action over alleged negligence linked to the departure of former President Md Abdul Hamid from Bangladesh.
Kishoreganj Superintendent of Police (SP) Md Hasan Chowdhury and Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Tahsina Arif, who was on duty at the airport immigration during the night shift, have been withdrawn.
Sub-Inspector Azharul Islam, the investigating officer of a case filed against Hamid with Kishoreganj Sadar Police Station, and Md Solaiman, a trainee sub-inspector (TSI) with the Special Branch (SB), have been temporarily suspended.
The Police Headquarters has also formed a three-strong investigation committee, headed by Additional Inspector General of Police (Admin) Md Matiur Rahman Sheikh, to probe the incident.
The measures were first announced in a statement from Police Headquarters on Thursday evening, with formal office orders issued later that night.
The action came only hours after Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury told journalists that those responsible for Hamid’s exit would be held accountable—or he would resign himself.
Hamid, who served two terms as president under the Awami League government, left the country early Thursday aboard a Thai Airways flight.
Immigration authorities said he travelled for “medical purposes” and was accompanied by two relatives.
They also claimed there was no travel ban against him, so he was allowed to leave.
A case filed with Kishoreganj Sadar police names both Hamid and deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina as accused.
The disciplinary actions were confirmed after intense discussions throughout the day.
“He [Hamid] left the country last night,” SB chief Golam Rasul told bdnews24.com.
According to the SB, Hamid arrived at the airport around 11pm on Wednesday, completed the formalities, and boarded the flight without obstruction. The flight departed at 3:05am.
Hamid, who previously served as deputy speaker and speaker, became president on Apr 14, 2013. He began his second term on Feb 7, 2018.
Following the end of his tenure, Mohammed Shahabuddin was sworn in as president on Apr 24, 2023.
Since then, Hamid had been residing in his home in Dhaka’s Nikunja.
HOME ADVISOR’S STATEMENT
Jahangir has said those involved in the departure of Hamid will be held accountable or he will leave his post.
During his visit to Dinajpur, where he launched a rice harvesting festival, the advisor spoke to the media about the “unexpected nature” of Hamid’s departure.
"Those responsible will be brought to justice," he asserted.
Meanwhile, during his visit to the Dinajpur district commissioner’s office, Jahangir encountered protests by National Citizen Party (NCP) activists.
The protesters were demanding the arrest and trial of those involved in the incident.
In response to their demands, Jahangir reassured the protesters that legal action would be taken.
One of the protesters questioned, “What will you do if those responsible are not arrested?”
To which the advisor replied, “Then I will step down myself.”
This statement led to the protesters quieting down and allowing the advisor to depart in his vehicle.