Political divide deepens over president’s exit
Abu Jakir :
As Bangladesh’s political landscape shifts ahead of the upcoming general elections, the demand for President Mohammad Shahabuddin’s resignation has temporarily subsided.
However, the debate surrounding his removal remains a contentious issue, with various political factions expressing differing opinions.
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and other organizations, which had been actively calling for the president’s resignation, have stepped back from street protests.
The interim government assured these groups that their concerns have been acknowledged, indicating that demonstrations in front of Bangabhaban or elsewhere are not necessary.
This has calmed the immediate situation, although the underlying issue persists.
On Tuesday night, several supporters of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement gathered in front of Bangabhaban.
By Wednesday morning, however, the focus shifted when a delegation from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) met with the Chief Adviser of the interim government.
BNP, a major political force, has expressed caution regarding the call for President Shahabuddin’s resignation.
BNP Standing Committee member Salauddin Ahmed, a key figure in the delegation, warned of the potential constitutional and political crisis that could arise if the president resigns suddenly. “I was very clear,” Ahmed told this correspondent yesterday.
“If the president resigns, it will create obstacles, delays, and complications in the democratic transition, which will not benefit the nation.”
While BNP leaders acknowledge internal concerns about President Shahabuddin’s role, many within the party believe it would be wise for him to step down.
However, they strongly oppose the manner in which his removal has been proposed.
BNP insists that any decision regarding the president’s position should be reached through discussions with political parties and stakeholders.
The party emphasizes that national consensus is necessary before determining who would replace him, warning that a hasty decision could jeopardize the upcoming elections, which remain BNP’s primary focus.
In contrast, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has taken a firmer stance. The party argues that President Shahabuddin has lost both the moral and legal right to remain in office, citing his controversial statements regarding Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.
Jamaat’s Publicity Secretary Matiur Rahman Akand stated that the president’s actions have disqualified him from continuing in his role and that his removal would not lead to a constitutional crisis.
“The interim government system is not in the constitution either, but through consensus and a Supreme Court reference, it was resolved.
This can also be done,” Akand remarked, expressing confidence that the situation could be managed without difficulty.
Nagorik Oikkya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna also weighed in, telling The New Nation that the next general election might not face delays even if the president resigns or is removed.
Manna pointed out that the constitution does not outline a specific course of action in the event of the president’s ousting and suggested that the interim government could consult political parties to reach a decision.
He emphasized the importance of achieving national consensus to avoid a potential crisis.
Similarly, Revolutionary Workers’ Party General Secretary Comrade Saiful Huq criticized President Shahabuddin’s contradictory statements and argued that he has lost his moral standing.
Huq expressed concern that the president’s removal could leave the position vacant, potentially allowing anti-democratic forces to take advantage of the situation.
He suggested that the interim government’s efforts to engage political parties might offer a solution to the crisis.
Interim Government Information Adviser Nahid Islam clarified that the president’s future is not a legal or constitutional matter but a political decision.
Speaking on Wednesday, she stressed the need for political compromise and national consensus to resolve the issue, highlighting the government’s ongoing discussions with various stakeholders.
“Our top priorities in making a decision are the state’s stability, security, and order,” said Nahid Islam. She reiterated that dialogue is ongoing and that a solution could emerge from these talks.