Tomorrow marks a significant milestone in the political history of Bangladesh: the fourteenth anniversary of the release of the Awami League President and current Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, from captivity. On this day in 2008, after nearly eleven months of confinement, the veteran leader was liberated from a special sub-jail established within the high-security premises of the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) Building.
The Political Context of 2007
The imprisonment of Sheikh Hasina was a defining chapter of the “1/11” political transition. She was arrested from her Sudha Sadan residence in Dhanmondi on 16 July 2007, amidst a period of significant upheaval overseen by a military-backed caretaker administration. Her detention became a focal point for national and international discourse regarding the democratic future of the country.
During her nearly year-long incarceration, the Prime Minister’s health began to deteriorate significantly. This triggered a wave of concern across the nation. The Awami League, alongside various associate organisations and members of the public, began to lobby the authorities with increasing fervour. The demand was clear: the President of the Awami League required immediate release to seek advanced medical treatment abroad.
A Triumphant Return to Democracy
Faced with spontaneous public demonstrations and sustained pressure from various domestic and international quarters, the caretaker government was eventually compelled to grant her freedom on 11 June 2008. This liberation paved the way for a seismic shift in the nation’s political landscape.
In the subsequent national elections held on 29 December 2008, the Awami League-led “Grand Alliance” achieved a staggering landslide victory, securing a two-thirds majority in Parliament. This victory returned Sheikh Hasina to the premiership for her second term, a position she has maintained through successive electoral triumphs in 2014 and 2018.
The following table outlines the pivotal timeline surrounding her detention and the subsequent political restoration:
| Event Description | Key Date | Outcome/Significance |
| Arrest at Sudha Sadan | 16 July 2007 | Commencement of 11-month detention. |
| Release from Sub-Jail | 11 June 2008 | Freed following intense public pressure. |
| National General Election | 29 December 2008 | Landslide victory with a 2/3 majority. |
| Second Term Swearing-in | January 2009 | Re-established democratic governance. |
| Subsequent Terms | 2014 & 2018 | Continued tenure as Prime Minister. |
Commemorative Observances
To honour this anniversary, the Awami League and its affiliate bodies have organised a comprehensive suite of programmes. These observances are designed to reflect on the resilience of the party leadership during the caretaker era.
The scheduled events include special interfaith prayers across the country. Supporters will gather at mosques, temples, churches, and pagodas to offer supplications for the Prime Minister’s continued health and longevity. Furthermore, a formal discussion and doa-mahfil (a gathering for prayer) are slated to take place at the party’s central office on Bangabandhu Avenue tomorrow morning at 11:00 am.