The interim government has expressed frustration over recent remarks made by President Md. Shahabuddin regarding the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was removed from power following a student-led uprising. Several advisors have voiced their dissatisfaction, with Legal Advisor Asif Nazrul accusing the President of spreading “false information.”
In response to the criticism and discussions, a press release from the President’s Office (Bangabhaban) urged that no new controversy should be stirred up regarding the resolved issue of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. The President called on everyone to refrain from creating situations that could destabilize or embarrass the interim government.
After the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government and two and a half months into the formation of the interim government, President Shahabuddin, in an interview on October 19, mentioned that while he had heard of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, he had not received any official documentation. This statement, published in a political magazine, sparked significant discussion and criticism.
“The power to impeach the President lies with the Parliament. However, there is currently no Parliament. But many things are happening outside the scope of the law now. As a result, the interim government could take action.”
— Shahdeen Malik, Lawyer, Supreme Court
Explaining the reason behind his reaction, Asif Nazrul said, “He (the President) himself stated in his speech to the nation on August 5 at 11:20 PM, in the presence of the heads of the three armed forces, that the former Prime Minister had submitted her resignation letter to him, and he had accepted it.”
Referring to various information including the formation of the government, the legal advisor added, “If he stands by his statement, then the interim government’s advisory council must consider whether he remains fit to hold the office of the President.”
In addition to the legal advisor, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, the advisor to the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Labor, also expressed his reaction. In a post on his Facebook page, he wrote, “The autocratic killer Hasina verbally submitted her resignation to the President. Though she was supposed to go to the Bangabhaban with her resignation letter, she was forced to flee when the student-led movement reached close to Ganabhaban.”
Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5 following the student-led uprising. The student leaders of that movement also expressed their anger. Coordinator Hasnat Abdullah wrote on his verified Facebook page, “Hasina has been overthrown. The people have ousted an illegal government through an uprising. There is no question of a resignation here.
Another coordinator, Sarjis Alam, stated at an event in Dhaka yesterday, “If someone like President Shahabuddin says that he does not have the resignation document of Sheikh Hasina, then it is up to the student community to decide what actions should be taken against him.”
Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, the advisor to the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Labor, commented, “The autocratic killer Hasina verbally submitted her resignation to the President. Although she was supposed to take the resignation letter to Bangabhaban, she was forced to flee when the student-led movement approached close to Ganabhaban.”
On August 5, the day of the fall of the Awami League government, the Chief of Army Staff, General Wakar-uz-Zaman, briefed journalists about the situation. The event was broadcast live on all state and private television channels. During this time, the Army Chief said, “Sheikh Hasina has resigned from the position of Prime Minister. The country is going through a critical time. We invited leaders from all political parties. We had a constructive discussion and reached a decision to form an interim government. All activities of the country will be conducted under this interim government.”
In his address to the nation on the night of August 5, President Md. Shahabuddin stated, “You all know that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has submitted her resignation letter to the President today, and I have accepted it. In light of the resignation of the Prime Minister and the situation created by the anti-discrimination student movement, discussions were held today at Bangabhaban with the chiefs of the three armed forces, leaders of various political parties, representatives of civil society, and several coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement. At the outset, the Army Chief briefed me on the prevailing overall situation and his discussions with political parties. Political leaders also shared their views during this time.”
Following this, the President sought the opinion of the Supreme Court regarding the formation of an interim government. All justices of the Appellate Division, under the chairmanship of then-Chief Justice Obaidul Hasan, provided their opinions. Based on their recommendations, an interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus was formed on August 8. That evening, President Md. Shahabuddin administered the oath to the Chief Advisor and other advisors of the interim government at Bangabhaban.
Source: Prothom Alo
