DHAKA: Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin found himself in the crosshairs of the interim government on Monday after law adviser Asif Nazrul accused him of lying about not having “documentary evidence” of ex-PM Sheikh Hasina resigning before her Aug 5 flight from the country.
Shahabuddin’s remark that he had “only heard” about Hasina’s resignation supported her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy‘s statement to Reuters from Washington that his mother “never officially resigned” as she “didn’t have the time” to do so once anti-government protesters stormed her Dhaka residence.
“When things came under control, one day the cabinet secretary came to collect the copy of the resignation letter. I told him that I was also looking for it,” a report in the magazine Janatar Chokh quoted the president as saying.
Section 57(a) of the Bangladesh constitution states that the prime ministerial office falls vacant only if the incumbent steps down by writing to the president.
The resurgence of conspiracy theories about the circumstances of Hasina’s departure led law adviser Nazrul to criticise the president for making what he said was a “self-contradictory” remark and “akin to a violation of his oath”.
He referred to Shahabuddin’s address to the nation on August 5, in which he said the ex-PM had handed him her resignation. This was hours after Hasina flew out of the country.
A political insider said he wouldn’t be surprised if the interim government removed Shahabuddin as president. “The government’s response suggests that the council of advisers will discuss in a meeting whether Shahabuddin is fit to remain in office.” Nazrul hinted as much to the media. “We know that the constitution says if the president lacks the physical or mental capacity to hold office or commits serious misconduct, steps can be taken regarding that position,” he said. “If someone contradicts their own statements made publicly, that could be considered misconduct. Then questions may arise about their mental capacity to serve as president. The president himself has opened the door to such scrutiny.”
BNP functionary Hafizuddin Ahmed said the discussions around Hasina’s resignation had added a new dimension to the ongoing political drama. “Disturbing and concerning news is being circulated,” he said. Hasnat Abdullah, one of the coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement, accused Awami League of secretly plotting to regain political power.
