Former President Mohammad Abdul Hamid, who served from 2013 to 2023, has left the country under the cover of night, sparking widespread criticism and political outrage.

Hamid departed Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Bangkok at 3am on Thursday, accompanied by his wife, son, and brother-in-law. His clandestine departure has drawn harsh comparisons to a "thief in the night" as allegations swirl over his alleged involvement in the killing of students and civilians during the July-August student protests.

Incumbent President Mohammad Shahabuddin facilitated Hamid's exit by influencing airport immigration officials to allow his clearance without scrutiny, sources said.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam confirmed the departure and vowed to hold accountable anyone involved in aiding Hamid’s escape.

Political parties have sharply criticized the interim government’s failure to prevent his departure.

National Citizen Party leader Abdul Hasnat took to Facebook, accusing the government of not only allowing Hamid to leave but actively coordinating the exit, including setting the date of travel.

During his presidency, Hamid was known for granting controversial presidential pardons, including to individuals convicted of crimes. His tenure also included two heavily criticized elections, in 2018 and 2023, both marred by widespread irregularities and alleged vote-rigging.

Hamid first became Acting President in March 2013 following the hospitalization of then-President Zillur Rahman. After Rahman’s death, Hamid was elected unopposed and later re-elected in 2018. He once proposed a UN-administered humanitarian corridor in Myanmar for Rohingya Muslims—a proposal recorded in an official Cabinet Division gazette.

Hamid’s political career dates back to 1959 when he joined the Chhatra League. He became vice-president of the Mymensingh District Unit (1966–67) and later joined the Awami League in 1969. Elected as the youngest MP in Pakistan’s 1970 elections, he went on to represent Kishoreganj-5 in six successive Bangladeshi parliaments. He also served as Deputy Speaker (1996–2001) and later as Speaker from 2009 until assuming the presidency.