The military-backed government in Bangladesh freed Sheikh Hasina Wajed, the former prime minister, from year-long detention on corruption charges on Wednesday to enable her to have medical treatment abroad.

Hossain Zillur Rahman, an adviser to the interim government, said Sheikh Hasina would fly to the US today after she was granted “two months’ medical parole”. She needs treatment for hearing, sight and blood pressure problems. Saber Hossain Chowdhury, a senior official in her opposition Awami League, said he expected her to agree to the party’s contesting a December general election.