[JURIST] A ban preventing former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina [Wikipedia profile] from returning to the country and restrictions on Khaleda Zia [Virtual Bangladesh profile], another former prime minister and Hasina's former political rival, have been lifted, according to statements from the interim Bangladeshi government late Wednesday. There are, however, indications that corruption investigations into the two former politicians are continuing, as bank officials said Thursday that they have been told to hand over bank records for Hasina, Zia and their families.

Hasina was charged [JURIST report] in absentia earlier this month with four counts of murder arising from the deaths of four protesters during political turmoil in Bangladesh [JURIST news archive] in October. She has denied the allegations and has said that she plans to return to Bangladesh to fight the charges, but was prevented from boarding a plane to Dhaka this weekend after being banned from entering the country [JURIST report]. An arrest warrant was issued for Hasina last weekend, but was suspended [JURIST reports] Monday.

Two of Zia's sons have been arrested on corruption allegations, though one has already been released from custody [JURIST reports]. It had been reported that Zia had reached an agreement with the current military-backed government to go into exile if her sons could go with her. The government said Wednesday that no restrictions have been put on Zia's movements and there is not pressure for her to leave the country. AFP has more.