Bangladesh has released a 33-year-old Botswana woman sentenced to death for drug trafficking, clearing the way for her return home, the Botswana government said on Wednesday.

Lesedi Molapisi was arrested in Dhaka in 2022 after allegedly being found carrying heroin on a flight from South Africa. She was sentenced to death in 2024.

According to AFP, Molapisi’s release followed diplomatic efforts by Botswana authorities and an appeal by President Duma Boko. Botswana’s diplomatic missions in South Africa and India also engaged with Bangladeshi authorities over her case.

“I can confirm that she will arrive in Botswana today,” Botswana Foreign Minister Phenyo Butale told AFP.

The case highlights concern over Bangladesh’s use of the death penalty. Amnesty International said more than 2,000 people were known to be on death row in Bangladesh at the end of 2025, while 185 new death sentences were recorded during the year.

BOB Post