No case can be filed against President in court: Home Minister

Regarding various allegations surrounding former President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that under the constitution, no case can be filed in court against the President, whether for criminal offences or any other matter. While serving as President, he enjoys constitutional immunity.

He made these remarks while responding to questions from journalists after a ceremony at the Secretariat on Sunday (July 26), where bravery and commendable work of police personnel were recognised with awards.

The Home Minister said the former President will receive all the benefits and privileges entitled to him by law. He resigned from the presidency due to ill health, and the Speaker accepted the resignation in accordance with the constitution. The entire process has been completed lawfully.

He said various individuals or political parties have the right to raise allegations against the President. Freedom of expression and protest should exist in the post-mass uprising period. However, the government does not see anything worth considering in these allegations.

The Minister further said that during his tenure as President, during the interim government period and under the current government, he carried out his duties in accordance with the constitution and rules, and the government received his cooperation.

Regarding allegations that the former President spoke on the phone with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina while she was undergoing treatment in London, the Home Minister said he saw the matter in the media. The government has no information or evidence on this matter. In the current age of technology, one does not need to go abroad to speak with someone.

When asked about allegations against Shahabuddin before he became President, Salahuddin Ahmed said any allegations from that period would be considered under the laws applicable at that time.