High-level committee formed to investigate ex-president Hamid’s departure from Bangladesh

The board has been tasked to submit the report within 15 days

A three-strong high-level committee has been formed to investigate former president Md Abdul Hamid's departure from Bangladesh via Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport.

The panel, which has been asked to submit the report within 15 days, will review how he left the country on May 7, the Chief Advisor’s Office (CAO) said on Sunday.

Education Advisor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar has been made the committee’s chairman with two members – Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Shipping Advisor M Sakhawat Hussain.

According to the scope of the work, the committee will analyse the former president's process of travelling abroad and examine how he passed through the airport.

It will also find out whether there was any negligence or lapse in the duties of the relevant authorities.

The panel will also identify those who have failed to perform their duties and recommend measures to avoid such incidents.

The notification issued by the CAO says the committee can ask for documents, equipment and evidence, with the authority to hold interviews with relevant people.

All government agencies will be obliged to follow the panel’s instructions and provide assistance. The panel is also mandated to appoint additional members.

The home ministry’s Public Security Division will provide secretarial assistance.

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 had 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.

Four police officers faced disciplinary action over alleged negligence linked to the incident.

The Police Headquarters also formed a three-strong committee, headed by Additional Inspector General of Police (Admin) Md Matiur Rahman Sheikh, to investigate the incident.