C T Online Desk: The 15th anniversary of the release of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina from prison was observed across Bangladesh on Sunday.
On this day in 2008, Sheikh Hasina was released from the special sub-jail set up on the premises of parliament after staying captive there for nearly 11 months.
The Awami League chief was arrested at her Sudha Sadan residence in Dhanmondi on July 16, 2007 during the rule of the military-backed caretaker government, which had assumed power in the political changeover of 1/11 in 2007.
As Sheikh Hasina fell sick during her captivity, demands were raised from different quarters, including the Awami League and its associate bodies, to send her abroad for better medical treatment after releasing her from jail.
Conceding to people’s repeated demands and pressure from different quarters, the caretaker government was compelled to release Sheikh Hasina from jail.
In the general election of December 29, 2008, the Awami League-led grand alliance registered a landslide victory with a two-thirds majority in parliament, and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina became prime minister for a second term.
After that, the Awami League also became triumphant in the national elections of 2014 and 2018 and formed governments.
