Botswana national Lesedi Molapisi has been released from prison in Bangladesh after authorities granted her clemency and commuted the death sentence she had received for drug smuggling.
Molapisi was arrested in Dhaka on January 23, 2022, after she was reportedly found in possession of narcotics. She was later convicted and sentenced to death by a Bangladeshi court on May 27, 2024.
Her release followed sustained diplomatic efforts by the Botswana Government to have her death sentence reduced and secure her freedom.
Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko reportedly appealed for executive clemency on Molapisi’s behalf, while the Ministry of International Relations pursued the matter through diplomatic channels.
Botswana’s Minister of International Relations, Phenye Butale, also engaged Bangladesh’s former interim Prime Minister, Dr Muhammad Yunus, and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman over the case.
The Botswana Government said its diplomatic missions in South Africa and India worked alongside Bangladeshi authorities to provide consular assistance to Molapisi.
The government also said it worked with local and international human rights organisations, including Ditshwanelo, to help ensure that Molapisi had access to legal representation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Botswana Government welcomed her release, describing it as a reflection of the relationship between Botswana and Bangladesh.
“The development is a testament to the strong bonds of cooperation between the two countries, strengthened by the shared values of mutual respect.”
The government expressed appreciation to the Bangladeshi authorities and other organisations involved in efforts that ultimately led to Molapisi’s release.
