Former Indian Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said the involvement of foreign powers in the current political turmoil in Bangladesh could not be ruled out.

"You cannot rule out the involvement of foreign powers who are inimical to Bangladesh's interest and to our (India's) security also," Shringla was quoted as saying by ANI.

Latest Development: Former Bangladesh IT minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak detained at Dhaka airport

"You cannot rule out the fact that certain interests have been fishing in troubled waters. But I think the situation itself was a result of several underlying factors, inherent within Bangladesh," he added.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh's key opposition leader and Sheikh Hasina's longtime political rival Khaleda Zia has been released from prison.

BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan told Dhaka Tribune: "President Shahabuddin has ordered the release of Begum Zia. This joy is beyond words."

Khaleda Zia was sent to prison On Feb 8, 2018 after a Bangladeshi court sentenced her to five years in prison in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case.

Later in the same year, the court raised her punishment to 10 years.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday informed the Rajya Sabha that Sheikh Hasina requested approval to come to India at a 'very short notice' in the wake of the anti-government violence in Bangladesh which led to her ouster and escaping from the South Asian nation.

Also read: Sheikh Hasina sought approval to come to India at very short notice: S Jaishankar informs Rajya Sabha on Bangladesh crisis

Hasina resigned and arrived in India after running away from her country where she served as the longest Prime Minister and even returned to power for another term by winning the general polls in January.

Sources told The Indian Express she was taken to a “safe house”, and is likely to travel to the United Kingdom (UK).