Protesters demand removal of Bangladesh president over comments on Hasina’s resignation

Last week, during an interview with the Bangla daily Manab Zamin, Shahabuddin mentioned that he lacks any concrete proof indicating Hasina’s resignation as prime minister prior to her departure from the country in August, amid widespread student protests.

On Tuesday, a leading student group in Bangladesh organized protests in Dhaka, calling for the dismissal of President Mohammed Shahabuddin due to his remarks on the ousted prime minister’s resignation, a move that had previously led to demonstrations against Sheikh Hasina’s administration.

Shahabuddin disclosed to the Bangla newspaper Manab Zamin recently that he lacks any written proof of Hasina stepping down as the prime minister prior to her departure from the country in August during the widespread demonstrations led by students.

The Student Movement Against Discrimination, the force behind the movement that resulted in the removal of Hasina from office, gathered in protest at the Central Shaheed Minar, calling for Shahabuddin to step down.

Nasir Uddin Patwari, a leader of the protest, accused the president of aligning with fascism and supporting genocide. The demand for his resignation was made clear, with hints at a potential campaign against him by some protesters.

Protesters gathered at Dhaka University campus, organized by the Shadhinota-Shorbobhoumotto Rokkha Committee, to demand Shahabuddin’s resignation. They also urged for the dissolution of the Constitution and the establishment of a “revolutionary government”, staging a sit-in protest.

The disbanding of Hasina’s Awami League party and its allies from engaging in political activities was among the demands put forth by the protesters. Subsequently, they proceeded towards Bangabhaban, which serves as the official residence of the president.

Rafiq Khan, a key figure within the organization, referred to Shahabuddin as a “wrongdoer” due to his “illegitimate” selection by “murderer Hasina.” Khan urged Shahabuddin to step down promptly and evacuate Bangabhaban. Failure to comply will lead to the initiation of a movement similar to the July event.

Shahabuddin mentioned during his conversation with the Bangla Daily that he was informed about Hasina’s resignation from the post of prime minister before she left Bangladesh, although he lacks any tangible proof to substantiate this claim.

The president expressed his unsuccessful attempts in locating any documents despite putting in considerable effort. Shahabuddin suggested that the lack of time might have been a factor contributing to this outcome.

Muhammad Yunus, an 84-year-old Nobel laureate, assumed the role of Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government on August 8, following the departure of Prime Minister Hasina to India on August 5.

Shahabuddin recounted the occurrences of August 5 to the newspaper, mentioning that around 10:30 am, Bangabhaban received a call from Hasina’s residence indicating her intention to meet him. Subsequently, within an hour, another call reversed this decision, stating that she would not be coming.

Before Shahabuddin proceeded to swear in Yunus and his advisory council members on August 8, he consulted the Supreme Court for guidance. The court recommended that he proceed due to the exceptional circumstances at hand.

Asif Nazrul, the Law Affairs Adviser of the interim government, criticized the president on Monday, alleging that his statements were deceitful and amounted to a breach of his sworn duties. He warned that if Shahabuddin persisted with his assertions, the interim government would have to reassess his suitability for the position.

Shahabuddin announced on television that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has submitted her resignation to the president, with the president’s office cautioning against stirring up any further debate on the matter, terming it a resolved issue.

The President’s clear declaration addresses all inquiries about the Prime Minister’s resignation during the mass public movement, the dissolution of Parliament, and concerns over the Interim Government’s Constitutional legitimacy. These matters are detailed in the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court’s order in Special Reference No-01/2024, issued on August 8, 2024.

Shahdhin Malik, a renowned expert in constitutional matters, asserts that there is currently an unproductive discussion surrounding the documentary proof of Hasina’s resignation letter when the true circumstances are already known.

He stated that following the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s administration, the interim government was established in accordance with the Supreme Court’s guidance, rendering any further discussion unnecessary.