Dhaka (Bangladesh), June 5 (HS): Selina Hayat Ivy, a senior leader of the Awami League led by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former mayor of Narayanganj City Corporation, has been released from prison on bail. Arrested in September last year, Ivy's release marks the second major relief granted to a prominent Awami League leader after former Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury.
According to a report published by the Bangladeshi newspaper Prothom Alo, Selina Hayat Ivy spent more than a year in prison. She was released from Kashimpur Central Women's Jail in Gazipur at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Wednesday. Around 12:30 a.m., she arrived at her residence in the Deobhog area of Narayanganj. Following reports of her impending release, relatives, supporters, and well-wishers began gathering outside her home from around 11:00 p.m. Her return after a prolonged period of incarceration was met with visible relief among her supporters.
Upon reaching home, Ivy first expressed gratitude to the people of Bangladesh. Speaking to journalists, she said, “I am deeply grateful to the judiciary and also thank the government. I hope a humane government will emerge that works with and for everyone. There are many women in prison like me who are innocent. I hope the government will also show compassion toward them.”
Police arrested Selina Hayat Ivy during the early hours of May 9 last year from her residence in Narayanganj. Subsequently, she was named in a total of 12 cases, including three murder cases and two attempted murder cases linked to the 2024 anti-discrimination movement. Although she secured bail in several cases on multiple occasions, fresh cases were repeatedly filed, leading to her continued detention.
On April 30, the High Court granted her interim bail in two murder cases registered at Siddhirganj Police Station, clearing the way for her release. Her lawyers and family members were present at the prison gate on Wednesday night, and emotional scenes unfolded as she walked free.
Selina Hayat Ivy served as mayor of Narayanganj from 2003 to 2011. In the 2011 election, she defeated influential Awami League rebel leader Shamim Osman by a margin of more than 100,000 votes.
Throughout her political career, Ivy earned recognition for her outspoken stance against terrorism and criminal violence in Narayanganj. Upon her arrival home, she was warmly welcomed by relatives, supporters, and well-wishers. Among those who greeted her with bouquets were Rafiur Rabbi, convener of the Shontrash Nirmul Toki Mancha, Narayanganj Press Club President Abu Sayeed Masud, and lawyers Ziaul Islam and Shahin Mahmood.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
