Interesting developments in Bangladesh over the past few weeks. The anti-corruption drive has been intense, and there are reportedly 150,000 arrested from the political and business spheres. There has been some confusion about the fate of the duita Begum, and the press has been issuing mixed reports.

At issue are reports that former Prime Minister and head of the Awami League Sheikh Hasina will not be allowed to return to Bangladesh. Last week, Rezwan posted this emergency notice, allegedly from Bangladeshi military intelligence.

Despite these reports, Hasina has announced that she will defy the interim government's ban and return home early next week.

There are also reports that former Prime Minister and head of the BNP Khaleda Zia is under house arrest pending her expulsion from Bangladesh along with at least one of her sons, Arafat. Tarique Rahman remains behind bars pending corruption and extortion charges. There are reports that Khaleda Zia will be exiled to Saudi Arabia this coming weekend.

I was lucky to catch a friend of mine online yesterday who said that the mood in the rural part of the country where he is living is one of cautious concern, as people are not sure what is happening.

My friend further echoed sentiments in this Economist article:

Indeed, it could be argued that the term "caretaker" is increasingly inappropriate given mounting signs that the administration aims to be around for some time. This is reflected partly in policymaking--such as its plans to address chronic power shortages and overhaul the country's main seaport--that goes far beyond any mandate simply to restore calm and prepare for elections.

What some are calling a "silent coup," appears to be working out to be just that. People that I talk to in Bangladesh, as well as probashi Bangladeshis seem to be in consensus that something had to happen to break the hold of the duita Begum and what had become, unfortunately, a malfunctioning political system. But whether or not this caretaker government will ease Bangladesh back on track, or will return to the problems of past military dictatorship, remains to be seen.

Rezwan has more on Sheikh Hasina's reaction and the situation in general. Here's hoping that everything turns out well for Bangladesh.