Yunus-Led Interim Government Pardons ISI-Linked Most-Wanted Terrorist In Bangladesh: Report

In a controversial move allegedly aimed at patronising the Islamists, Bangladesh's interim regime under Muhammad Yunus is reportedly taking steps to pardon Syed Ziaul Haque, known as Major Zia, a former military officer accused of links to Al Qaeda.

Major Zia, who had been on Bangladesh's most-wanted terrorist list, has allegedly been removed from the list, raising concerns among experts on Bangladesh’s internal affairs.

Zia is accused of involvement in the 2016 murders of Faisal Arefin Deepan, publisher of Bangladesh’s Jagriti Prokashona, and the murder of secular activists in Kalabagan, Dhaka.

He also played a key role in a failed military coup in 2011 to overthrow Sheikh Hasina's government.

Upon his return to Dhaka from Islamabad, Zia submitted a petition on 29 December seeking exoneration from all charges.

In 2021, the US Department of State’s Rewards for Justice programme announced a $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Major Zia and Akram Hossain.

Both were implicated in the February 2015 terrorist attack in Dhaka that killed US citizen Avijit Roy and severely injured his wife, Rafida Bonya Ahmed.

Major Zia is alleged to have developed close ties with Pakistan’s ISI and the outlawed Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).

His involvement in terror activities led to his expulsion from the military.

Since capturing power through “revolution”, the interim regime has been giving reprieve to terror masterminds, including a minister under the BNP government, and seeking to develop closer ties with Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who leads the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), flew to London on a royal air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar for medical treatment.

Khaleda Zia is reportedly suffering from liver cirrhosis, cardiac disease, and kidney problems. Her son, Tareque Zia, currently in exile in London, plans to return to contest elections as the BNP calls for early polls.

Critics argue that Khaleda Zia’s departure may be part of a deal with the interim regime, which has effectively removed both Khaleda and Sheikh Hasina from Dhaka.

This has been referred to as the "Minus-2 formula," allegedly aimed at paving the way for a third political entity that Yunus seeks to establish with student leaders.

Also Read: India-Taliban Talks In Dubai: Chabahar Port, Security Concerns, Humanitarian Aid And Development Plans Discussed