Former President Md. Abdul Hamid returned to Bangladesh in the early hours of Sunday night (June 8). He arrived in Dhaka at around 1:30 AM on Thai Airways flight TG-339, according to airport police sources who confirmed the information to Kalbela.
Upon landing, he was taken in a wheelchair to the immigration counter at approximately 1:45 AM. Witnesses reported that he remained seated in the wheelchair for an extended period while waiting for immigration formalities. His immigration process was completed shortly before 3:00 AM, after which he left the airport.
Sources mentioned that he appeared visibly exhausted and was dressed in a shirt and lungi at the time.
Abdul Hamid, who served two consecutive terms as President under the Awami League government, had left the country in early May on a Thai Airways flight for medical treatment in Thailand. He was accompanied by his younger son Riad Ahmed Tushar and brother-in-law Dr. A.N.M. Noushad Khan. His travel abroad was reportedly based on medical advice from Bangladeshi doctors, and there was no travel restriction against him at the time.
However, his departure sparked significant controversy. In response, the police headquarters formed a high-powered committee to investigate and identify those who may have facilitated his exit.
Abdul Hamid first took office as the 20th President of Bangladesh on April 24, 2013, and was re-elected for a second term as the 21st President on April 24, 2018. His tenure ended on April 24, 2023, when President Md. Shahabuddin assumed office. After leaving Bangabhaban, Abdul Hamid took residence in the Nikunja area of Dhaka.
On January 14, a case was filed at Kishoreganj Sadar Model Police Station against 124 individuals—including Abdul Hamid, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and daughter Saima Wazed Putul—in connection with a student protest that involved alleged violence and shootings.
Following his departure from the country, various political parties expressed sharp criticism. In the wake of the controversy, the Ministry of Home Affairs took action against several police officers believed to have been involved.
