Gaborone – The Government of Botswana has welcomed the release of Lesedi Molapisi from a prison in Bangladesh following the granting of clemency that spared her from a death sentence.
Molapisi had been detained in Bangladesh after her arrest in Dhaka on January 23, 2022, when she was found in possession of narcotics. She was subsequently convicted of drug smuggling and sentenced to death by a Bangladeshi court on May 27, 2024.
The Botswana Government announced her release on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, following sustained diplomatic and legal efforts by the government to secure her freedom. 
President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko had personally appealed for executive clemency and the commutation of Molapisi’s death sentence.
Following the President’s instructions, Botswana’s Ministry of International Relations pursued the matter through diplomatic channels.
Minister of International Relations Dr Phenyo Butale engaged with former Interim Prime Minister of Bangladesh Dr Mohammed Yunus as well as Bangladesh’s current Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Khalilur Rahman over Molapisi’s case and efforts to secure her release.
Botswana’s diplomatic missions in South Africa and India were also involved in engagements with Bangladeshi authorities.
According to the Botswana Government, the missions assisted with consular support for Molapisi during her imprisonment and facilitated communication with the relevant authorities.
The government also worked with local and international human rights organisations, including Ditshwanelo, to ensure Molapisi had access to appropriate legal representation.
Her release follows these combined diplomatic, legal and humanitarian efforts.
The Botswana Government expressed its appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for granting clemency to Molapisi.
It said the development demonstrated the strong relationship between Botswana and Bangladesh, built on cooperation and mutual respect between the two countries and their people.
