Dhaka: Awami League president and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was released from prison on this day in 2008 and the ruling Awami League is commemorating the jail release day in a befitting manner.

On this day in 2008, Sheikh Hasina was released from the special sub-jail set up on the premises of the Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament) Complex after remaining captive there for nearly 11 months.

The Awami League president was arrested from her Sudha Sadan residence at Dhanmondi on July 16 in 2007 during the military-backed caretaker government, which assumed power in the political change over of 1/11 in 2007.

During the period of her captivity, Sheikh Hasina fell ill. Demands were raised then from her party and associate bodies, particularly from the people from all strata, to send her abroad for treatment after releasing her from jail.

Conceding to the people's repeated demands and pressure from different quarters, the previous caretaker government was compelled to release Sheikh Hasina from jail.

Leaders of Awami League, its associate bodies and a cross section of people and admirers will meet Sheikh Hasina to felicitate her on the occasion.

Special prayers will be offered at different mosques in the city at noon for long life and good health of Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladesh Chhatra League will organise a milad and doa mahfil at the Central Jame Mosque of Dhaka University after Zohr prayers to mark the day.

Later, Sheikh Hasina became the Prime Minister following victory of the AL in December 29, 2008 general elections with two-thirds majority.

Ends/AMA/11/06/13