Selina Hayat Ivy, the former mayor of Narayanganj City Corporation, has been released on bail after spending over a year in prison.
She was released from the Kashimpur Central Jail for Women in Gazipur at around 10:15 PM on Wednesday and reached her residence in the Deobhog area of Narayanganj city at around 12:30 AM.
Upon hearing the news of her release, relatives, workers, and supporters began gathering in front of her house from 11:00 PM onwards, expressing relief at her return after such a long period.
Expressing Gratitude and Hope
After arriving home, Selina Hayat Ivy expressed her gratitude to the nation and addressed reporters.
"I express my immense gratitude to the judiciary and also thank the government. I want a humane government to be formed that includes everyone. There are many mothers like me in jail who are innocent. I hope the government will be kind to them as well."
Legal Background
Ivy was arrested by the police from her Narayanganj residence in the early hours of May 9, 2025.
She was subsequently shown arrested in a total of 12 cases, including three murder cases and two attempted murder cases filed during the 2024 anti-discrimination student-led mass movement.
Although she secured bail multiple times in several of these cases, she kept being shown arrested in new ones.
Her path to freedom was cleared after the High Court granted her interim bail on April 30 in connection with two murder cases filed at the Siddhirganj Police Station. Her lawyers and relatives were present at the prison gate during her release.
Political Legacy
Ivy served as the chairman of the Narayanganj Municipality from 2003 to 2011. Later, she won three consecutive elections as the mayor of the newly formed Narayanganj City Corporation.
In the first city corporation election in 2011, Ivy defeated the influential Awami League (now banned) leader Shamim Osman by a margin of over 100,000 votes to become mayor.
Throughout her career, she was well-known for her vocal stance against terrorism in Narayanganj.
Relatives, well-wishers, and supporters welcomed Ivy upon her arrival at her home. Notable attendees included:
- Rafiur Rabbi, Convener of the Santrash Nirmul Twoki Moncho
- Abu Said Masud, President of the Narayanganj Press Club
- Ziaul Islam, Lawyer
- Shahin Mahmud, Lawyer
