Bangladesh: Supreme Court orders release of Zia from jail May 16 /update 18

Event

On Wednesday, May 16, the Bangladeshi Supreme Court ordered the release of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from prison, confirming a lower court's motion to grant her bail while she appeals her five-year jail sentence. Zia's lawyers argued that she should be released due to health concerns. The timetable for Zia's release from her Dhaka prison was not immediately reported. Related demonstrations are possible in Dhaka and elsewhere in Bangladesh in the coming days. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near any potential protests.

Context

For months, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has been organizing regular demonstrations to demand that former Prime Minister and current chairperson of the BNP Khaleda Zia be released from prison. Zia was convicted of corruption at a special court in Dhaka on February 8 and sentenced to five years in jail. Multiple BNP-led demonstrations have erupted across the country demanding Zia's release as well as free and fair elections.

Advice

Individuals in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.