Bangladesh’s first female leader Khaleda Zia has been released from house arrest, adding another twist to the long-standing rivalry between her and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, known as the ‘Battle of the Begums’. The release comes just one day after Hasina resigned and fled the country, leaving a power vacuum in the nation’s politics.
Amidst violent unrest in Bangladesh that resulted in the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, President Mohammed Shahabuddin ordered the release of imprisoned opposition leader and former PM Khaleda Zia. The decision was taken after a meeting with opposition parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina has been provided security by Indian forces and moved to a safe location.
