Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee has claimed he had urged the then Bangladesh army chief Moeen U Ahmed to release political prisoners during the caretaker government of 2007-08. During the informal interaction, I impressed upon him the importance of releasing political prisoners. He was apprehensive about his dismissal by Sheikh Hasina after her release. I also sought an appointment with the US President George W Bush to request his intervention in the matter and ensure the release of both Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina. “With my intervention through the then National Security Advisor MK Narayanan, I ensured the release of all political prisoners and the nation’s return to stability.

Source: Dhaka Tribune October 19, 2017 10:18 UTC