I will stay if BNP wants, leave if not: President Shahabuddin

President Md. Shahabuddin said, if the ruling BNP wants me to, I will continue to fulfill my duties. And if not, I am ready to resign 'honorably'.

He said these things in an interview given to Kaler Kantho on Friday (February 20) night.

The President said, I am constitutionally elected, my term is until 2028. However, if the elected government or BNP thinks it is better for me to not be there, then I am willing to resign on my own. I love to go. Whoever wants me like this, I will step down honorably.

In the interview, he mentioned that during the interim government of the last 18 months, he was put under mental pressure and humiliated in various ways. It was this situation that created anger in him. The President said in a sarcastic tone that at that time he thought that he could not remain as President like this, and that he could resign if necessary.

President Md. Shahabuddin gave a positive assessment of newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He said, "I have met him for a very short time, but I have seen that he has statesmanlike qualities. There is enough reason to be optimistic from his activities. The blood of a freedom fighter flows in his body, he will do good work for the country - this is my belief."

He said, the army played the right role at the right time. If they wanted, they could have imposed martial law, but they played a memorable role in maintaining the peace and constitutional continuity of the country.