Bangladesh frees Hasina rival Khaleda Zia from house arrest
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Bangladesh has released Begum Khaleda Zia, a former prime minister and leader of the opposition, from house arrest. Zia, 78, had been convicted of corruption and sentenced to 17 years in prison in 2018. Her release came after the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and calls from a student-led movement for an interim government.
Zia was a political rival of Hasina, and her terms as prime minister were marked by corruption allegations. Her release was part of a deal that saw her two sons relocate to the UK.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh police association has apologized for actions against protesters and demanded the release of its jailed officers. Human Rights Watch has accused security forces of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances during Hasina's rule, which the government denies. Families of political prisoners, including opposition activist Ahmad Bin Quasem, are awaiting news of their loved ones' release.
