Staff Reporter :
Protests led by students have continued for the past two days, demanding the resignation of President Shahabuddin Ahmed, whom they accuse of violating his oath of office, thereby disqualifying him from remaining in power.
On Wednesday, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Islam stated that no decision has been made yet regarding the removal of the President. Meanwhile, Md. Nahid Islam, the interim government’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser, clarified that whether President Shahabuddin stays in office is not currently a legal or constitutional issue but rather a political decision. He further mentioned that this political decision will be made within a reasonable timeframe, reflecting public sentiment.
Addressing the situation, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated that his party does not currently seek the removal of President Shahabuddin, as such a move could trigger a constitutional crisis.
He warned that removing the President now might delay the upcoming parliamentary elections.
This ongoing situation has created further strain on the interim government, which is focused on reforms before the national elections. Bangabhaban, the President’s residence, has become the center of speculation, with stakeholders, ordinary citizens, and foreign diplomats waiting to see what will happen next.
The demand for the President’s resignation gained momentum after his recent interview with the editor of a Bengali daily. During the interview, when asked to produce a hard copy of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation letter, President Shahabuddin was unable to provide it, despite his earlier claims that Hasina had resigned before the oath-taking ceremony of the interim government. This discrepancy ignited widespread outrage, leading to protests that began on Tuesday.
Protesters gathered outside Bangabhaban, demanding the President’s immediate resignation. Tensions escalated when demonstrators attempted to breach the barbed wire barricades, leading to clashes and the sound of gunfire as authorities tried to disperse the crowd. Several protesters and police officers were injured in the confrontation. Before dispersing, the students issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the President’s resignation.
On Wednesday, protesters returned to Bangabhaban, where all eyes were on the President’s response. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam addressed the media outside the Chief Adviser’s residence, stating that no decision had been made yet, but an advisory council meeting was scheduled for Thursday.
When asked about the connection between BNP’s meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and the President’s possible resignation, he declined to comment, stating that such meetings are part of broader discussions with political parties.
Earlier, BNP’s Salahuddin Ahmed reiterated that their party does not support the immediate removal of the President, citing the risk of creating a constitutional vacuum.
“The resignation of the President may create a vacuum and lead to a constitutional crisis. It may also delay the next parliamentary election, which is why BNP does not support the President’s removal at this moment,” he said.
The information adviser, Md. Nahid Islam, emphasized that the question of the President’s resignation is purely a political decision, not a legal or constitutional matter.
“The interim government was formed with public support through a mass uprising. To ensure state stability and security, the government was established while retaining the existing constitution and presidency,” he explained.
However, he added that if public dissatisfaction grows or the functioning of the interim government is hindered, the situation will be reassessed. “We have received the message from the people that they no longer want this President. The government understands this, and a decision will be made in due time,” he assured.