Ivy thanks govt, judiciary after release from jail

Former Narayanganj City Corporation mayor Selina Hayat Ivy has expressed gratitude to the government and the judiciary after returning home on bail in cases filed over alleged murder and attempted murder during the July Uprising.

Ivy returned to her residence, Chunka Kutir, yesterday night (3 June) after spending 391 days in jail in connection with 12 cases filed against her.

She arrived at her home in the Deobhog area of Narayanganj city around 12:30am today (4 June). Before returning home, she visited the graves of her father, mother and younger brother at the Masdair graveyard in the city.

Speaking to journalists after entering her residence, Ivy said: "I would like to thank the current government. I am grateful to the people of the country who prayed for me. At the same time, I express my sincere gratitude to the judiciary."

"I hope a humane government can be established with everyone. There are many mothers in prison like me who are innocent. I hope the government will also show compassion towards them," she added.

Meanwhile, Ivy's supporters began gathering in front of her residence from around 10:30pm in anticipation of her return. Additional police personnel were deployed in the area to maintain law and order.

Security was also heightened at several points across the city ahead of her arrival. However, members of Ivy's family requested well-wishers and onlookers to leave before she reached home.

Upon entering her residence, Ivy's relatives became emotional on seeing her after more than a year in prison. Local residents also gathered outside, although Ivy did not meet anyone that night.

Her release has drawn criticism from leaders and activists of the BNP and the NCP in Narayanganj. Many expressed frustration on social media over her release on bail and return to her home area.

Ivy was arrested around 3am on 9 May last year from her residence, Chunka Kutir, in Deobhog. She was later shown arrested in multiple cases at different times.