Shahabuddin played a key role during national crisis: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that former President Mohammed Shahabuddin played a crucial role in preserving Bangladesh's constitutional order during the country's political crisis in 2024. He added that Shahabuddin cooperated with the current government and that the BNP views the presidency as a constitutional institution rather than an individual officeholder.

The minister made the remarks on Friday in his reaction to Shahabuddin's resignation from the presidency.

Salahuddin Ahmed said Shahabuddin initially faced criticism because he had been elected during the Awami League government's tenure. However, he noted that the former president played a significant role between August 5 and 8, 2024, before the formation of the interim government following the July mass uprising, helping ensure that the state remained on a constitutional path.

He also said that during the tenure of the interim government, the president was not always given the opportunity to perform his duties with the dignity the office deserved. Despite that, Shahabuddin carried out his responsibilities with professionalism and a sense of duty.
Commenting on the resignation, the home minister said the Constitution allows a president to resign for health or any other reason.

He noted that Shahabuddin followed the constitutional procedure by submitting his resignation letter to the Speaker of Parliament.

After the resignation is officially published in the government gazette, the Election Commission will take the necessary steps to elect a new president.

He said a new president would be elected within 90 days, as required by the Constitution. Until then, the Speaker of Parliament will serve as the Acting President.

Salahuddin Ahmed added that the entire transition process has been carried out in accordance with the Constitution and the law, and that constitutional continuity will be maintained until a new president assumes office.