Bangladesh Crisis: Ex-Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud Arrested At Airport While Attempting To Flee Dhaka

Former Information and Broadcasting minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak was also detained at the Dhaka airport, while he was attempting to flee to Delhi.

Hours after the Bangladesh President dissolved the Parliament, clearing way for the formation of the interim government, the former Foreign Minister of the country, Hassan Mahmud was arrested on Tuesday. He was reportedly detained at the Hazrat Shahjalal Internationl Airport in Dhaka.

Meanwhile, the former Information and Broadcasting minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak was also detained at the Dhaka airport. Palak has been barred from leaving the country by the airport authorities. The Awami League leader had gone to the Dhaka airport to flee to Delhi, but was not permitted to board the plane and was taken into custody during immigration, Dhaka Tribune reported.

The decision to dissolve the parliament was taken following the president's discussions with chiefs of three staff of armed forces, leaders of different political parties, representatives of civil society and leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, the Daily Star newspaper reported, citing a statement issued by the president's office.

It also stated that the BNP Chairperson and former premier Khaleda Zia was freed from house arrest. Zia was freed a day after her arch-rival Hasina fled Bangladesh. Shortly after the former PM's resignation, President Shahabuddin issued Zia's release order. 

Zia had been under house arrest after being released from jail during the pandemic. She was convicted in 2018 in a corruption case related to the Zia Orphanage Trust. 

"Moreover, the process to release those arrested between July 1 to  August has started, and many have already been released," it added

This comes after at least 24 people were burnt alive by a mob after a hotel owned by a leader of the Awami League party was set ablaze. An Indonesian national was also killed during this attack.

The victims are said to be mostly leaders, who were burnt alive on Monday night by a mob that attacked and set afire a hotel named Zabir International Hotel, owned by Awami League's general secreray Shahin Chakkladar.

On Monday, Sheikh Hasina had resigned as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and fled the country in a military chopper. She came to India on a short notice and is said to fly to London, seeking political asylum there.

Following this, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman addressed the nation, announcing that an interim government would soon be formed.

(With inputs from Manogya L)