Unrest in Bangladesh: In Bangladesh, calls for the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin escalated yesterday following his controversial remarks regarding the resignation of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5 of this year. Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the Bangabhaban, the official residence of the president, attempting to breach security barriers at around 8:30 AM on Tuesday. Clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcement, resulting in five injuries, including two journalists.
The unrest stems from comments made by President Shahabuddin in a recent interview. He mentioned hearing that Sheikh Hasina had resigned from her position as prime minister but admitted that he had no official documentation to confirm this, including the resignation letter itself. He remarked, “I have been unable to obtain the resignation letter despite several efforts. Perhaps she didn’t have the time.”
The situation was further inflamed by Asif Nazrul, the Law Adviser to the interim government. On Monday, he criticized the president’s statements, calling them self-contradictory. Nazrul pointed out that in his address to the nation on August 5, Shahabuddin claimed to have received and accepted Sheikh Hasina’s resignation in the presence of military chiefs. “The president said he accepted the resignation on August 5, but now he claims he doesn’t have the letter. This is clearly a self-contradiction,” Nazrul stated.
Also read: Bangladesh protest: Protesters in Bangladesh demand PM Sheikh Hasina’s resignation
Mohammed Shahabuddin was elected president unopposed on February 13, 2023, and took office for a five-year term on April 24, 2023. However, this latest controversy has triggered widespread unrest and increased pressure on him to step down.