[🇧🇩] Should the president be removed for lying about Hasina's resignation

[Saif]

Urgency for change must not lead to hasty decisions

Critical decisions on presidency or constitution must keep long-term impact in mind

www.thedailystar.net

Urgency for change must not lead to hasty decisions
Critical decisions on presidency or constitution must keep long-term impact in mind

VISUAL: STAR

We are concerned about the tendency, as evidenced by some recent events, to apply high-pressure tactics to hasten important decisions that otherwise need careful deliberation based on diverse and informed perspectives. The latest incident occurred on Tuesday evening, when several hundred protesters tried to break through security barriers in front of Bangabhaban demanding the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin. The ensuing clash left five people with minor injuries, as police resorted to baton charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Last week, the same tendency was on display when student leaders led a protest on the Supreme Court premises demanding the resignation of "pro-Awami League fascist judges", forcing a decision that should have been reached following due process.

The controversy surrounding the president began after he claimed, in an interview with Manab Zamin, that he had only heard about Sheikh Hasina's resignation but found no "documentary evidence" of it. This, from a man whose retention after the fall of Awami League was deemed a constitutional necessity, sparked heated reactions as well as demonstrations in Dhaka and other districts. At the Central Shaheed Minar earlier on Tuesday, leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement issued an ultimatum to meet their five-point demand, including the president's removal, by the end of this week. Their other demands include annulment of the 1972 constitution, a permanent ban on Chhatra League, declaration of a "Proclamation of the Republic" to govern post-2024 Bangladesh, and invalidation of the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections.

All these issues, we must say, have profound legal and political implications that cannot be taken lightly. Any forced decision risks not only creating new crises down the line but also weakening or disrupting the ongoing reform drive of the government. It cannot be denied that some of the demands raised by protesters have merit, having arisen from a backdrop of sustained grievances over decades. The power of mass mobilisation to effect change cannot be denied either, especially after the mass uprising. But the current political landscape is different. The interim government, born out of that uprising, has a mandate to reshape the nation's future through proper reforms, and it must be given constructive support—not threats or ultimatums—to do that since rushing through critical decisions could result in half-baked policies that fail to address the deeper issues plaguing the country.

The president's removal, for example, is a decision that needs political consensus which cannot be forced upon. If or when it happens, it must happen in a judicious, fully-thought-through manner that serves our long-term interests. The same goes for any decision related to the constitution. We have a nine-member reform commission currently reviewing the constitution. Demanding its instant annulment while such a body of experts is in place undermines the purpose of this process. If protesters push for immediate actions without regard for due process, what is the point of having all such commissions?

We, therefore, urge protesters, especially student leaders, to show the same maturity they did during the uprising. The current period, with so many actors of competing interests around, calls for caution and collaboration with the government to ensure the reform drive remains on course. If real, meaningful change is what we want, there is no alternative to constructive engagement.​

 

[Saif]

President's resignation: Govt seeks solution thru political consensus

The interim government does not want to take any hasty decision regarding the resignation of President Md Shahabuddin

en.prothomalo.com

President's resignation: Govt seeks solution thru political consensus
Special Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 25 Oct 2024, 13: 00

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus chaired a meeting of advisory council on 24 October, 2024Press wing of CA

The interim government does not want to take any hasty decision regarding the resignation of President Md Shahabuddin. The government is looking for a solution through discussions with political parties. The Students Against Discrimination and Jatiya Nagorik Committee are adamant in their demand for the resignation of the president.

President Md Shahabuddin, in a recent interview with a national daily, said there was no document of the resignation of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from power in the face of the uprising of students and people. The president’s comment also sparked harsh criticism from some of the advisers.

In this context, the advisory council of the interim government raised the issue for the first time in their meeting held on Thursday. In the meeting, the council decided to resolve the matter through discussions with the political parties.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, adviser for environment, forest and climate change Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the government started discussions with the political parties on whether the president should remain in the post or not. The government would take the final decision on the basis of a consensus of the political parties.

Two other advisers said the students demand the resignation of the president. At the same time, some of the political parties are saying the president’s resignation will lead to a constitutional crisis, which they don’t want right now. The overall situation was discussed in the advisory council meeting. The government feels the decision needs to be taken on the basis of discussions with the political parties.

It was the first time that the issue of the president's resignation was officially discussed in the advisory council meeting.

Earlier on Monday, law adviser Asif Nazrul said, “The president said that he did not receive the resignation letter of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. This is a lie and akin to violating his oath of office.”

Amidst various discussions over this, three central leaders of BNP met the chief advisor on Wednesday. They said their party didn’t want the president’s resignation right now. BNP feels it will lead to a constitutional and political crisis.

Decision on the basis of consensus

Environment adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan spoke to the newspersons regarding decisions of the advisory council meeting at a press conference yesterday.

Adviser for environment, forest and climate change Syeda Rizwana Hasan addressed a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy on Thursday PID

She said the decision regarding the president’s resignation would not be delayed. It will not be a hasty decision either. The final decision will be taken very soon.

Addressing the press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy, Syeda Rizwana Hasan said, “What the President said has been taken into our account and the ongoing movement demanding removal of the President is being considered.”

Rizwana Hasan said, “Some political parties are talking about a potential constitutional crisis. Some leaders of a political party said the president's resignation would create a constitutional vacuum. Some leaders of that party also said that there would not be any political crisis. We discussed that in the advisory council meeting.”

Adamant with the demands

Meanwhile the Students Against Discrimination set an ultimatum to realise their five-point-demand, including the resignation of the president. The Jatiya Nagorik Committee also supported them. The second of the five-point-demand was to ban the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL). The interim government already accomplished that.

In such a situation, the BNP leaders said their party did not want any state, constitutional and political crisis in the country at the moment centering the post of president.

BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan speaks to the media after meeting chief adviser to the interim government Dr Muhammad Yunus at the state guesthouse Jamuna on 23 October 2024. Prothom Alo

Meanwhile, the Students Against Discrimination and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee are not happy with BNP’s stance. They held a joint press conference mainly to respond to the BNP’s opinion. There, they urged the political decisions to not rush any decision.

The Students Against Discrimination and Jatiya Nagorik Committee is considering holding discussions with the political parties as the BNP cited a potential ‘constitutional crisis’ in this regard.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, Student Against Discrimination member secretary Arif Sohel said they still demand the resignation of the president. They will hold a meeting on Friday to set the next course of action.​

 

[Saif]

President’s fate: Decision only after political consensus

The government is considering the demand for President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s removal, and it would make a decision only after the political parties reach a consensus.

www.thedailystar.net

President’s fate: Decision only after political consensus
Govt starts talking to parties, says there’d ‘neither be delay nor haste’

The government is considering the demand for President Mohammed Shahabuddin's removal, and it would make a decision only after the political parties reach a consensus.

It has already initiated discussions with the parties to determine the president's fate, several advisers said following an advisory council meeting, presided over by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at his office yesterday morning.

"The president's issue was discussed at the meeting," an adviser told this newspaper.

Briefing reporters last night, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the demand for the president's resignation was getting stronger.

She added that some political parties have voiced concern that the resignation may lead to a constitutional crisis.

"Then one or two senior political leaders said there would be no constitutional crisis.

"It's now a people's demand … We're hopeful we'll be able to reach a decision on the basis of a consensus amongst the political parties," she told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy.

"Since the demand [for the president's resignation] has come from the people, and our government is the result of a mass uprising, will it be possible to accept every aspect of the constitution literally?"— Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan

"Political parties should make their stances clear … ."

Asked about how long it would take to reach a consensus, Rizwana said it depended on the parties.

"What kind of conversations do we have with them? What are the fears of the political parties? Are they realistic at all? It can't be said that we're in a hurry, but at the same time, we don't have any scope for delaying things."

She said no one wants to be in uncertainty over the matter for a long time.

The adviser further said the government sees the issue as a political one, not a "legal and constitutional" one.

About the process of the president's resignation, she said, "At the moment, we're talking about how we'll deal with the demand for the president's resignation … Since the demand has come from the people, and our government is the result of a mass uprising, will it be possible to accept every aspect of the constitution literally?"

The demand for the president's removal cropped up after daily Manab Zamin's political magazine "Janatar Chokh" on Sunday published an article where the president said he heard Sheikh Hasina had resigned as the prime minister, but he did not have any documentary evidence.

"I tried [to collect the resignation letter] many times but failed. Maybe she did not have the time," he was quoted as saying.

The next day, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said the president lied, and it was akin to misconduct. He questioned the president's mental capacity to serve.

Later, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement demanded the removal of the president.

On Tuesday, several hundred protesters, under the banners of Raktim July 2024 and Shadhinota-Sharbobhoumotto Rokkha Committee, attempted to break through the security barriers in front of the Bangabhaban.

After a meeting between a BNP delegation and Prof Yunus on Wednesday, the party said a vacancy in the president's post at this moment would create a constitutional vacuum, which "the nation does not want".

Meanwhile, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee at a press briefing yesterday evening called for national unity for the scrapping of the 1972 constitution and the removal of the president.

POSSIBLE BAN ON AL?

Replying to a question about banning the Awami League, Rizwana said there were no discussions in this regard at yesterday's meeting.

"The language of the movement and our language should not be the same."

At the briefing, Mahfuj Alam, special assistant to the chief adviser, said, "We've received proposals from political parties [on banning the AL]. The government is considering it like any other issue.

"It's about dialogue. It's about the consensus of the political parties. The government will decide on the matter after discussions with all the parties."

BAN ON BCL

Rizwana said the reason behind banning Chhatra League was clearly stated in the gazette, adding that the media reported that BCL activists, wearing helmets and police uniforms, were involved attacking protesters.

BCL played the roles of goons during all student movements since the 2018 road safety movement.

"People in responsible positions had said the Chhatra League was enough to punish the protesters. It [the AL student wing] was used to suppress the movement.

"Another reason for banning them [BCL] was that they did not stop even after the July genocide," Rizwana said.

"None can forget the killing of Abrar Fahad and Biswajit. There's no scope for the government to sit and watch the activities of a terrorist organisation."

Mahfuj said BCL is now a banned organisation.

"There are legal barriers against publicising anything regarding Chhatra League. Those of you who are in the media should take note of this so that you don't play any role in publicising propaganda of the terrorist organisation."​

 

[Saif]

President removal uncertain as BNP yet to decide

The decision regarding the issue of the president’s removal appears to have become uncertain as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Saturday took time to discuss the matter in its own forum, while...

www.newagebd.net

President removal uncertain as BNP yet to decide
Ahammad Foyez 26 October, 2024, 23:30

President Muhammed Shahabuddin.

The decision regarding the issue of the president’s removal appears to have become uncertain as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Saturday took time to discuss the matter in its own forum, while a delegation of the Student Movement Against Discrimination and the National Citizens’ Committee placed the demand to the party.

Student Movement Against Discrimination led the July-August mass uprising that culminated in the overthrow and fleeing of then prime minister Sheikh Hasina, while the National Citizens’ Committee was formed with many of the organisers of the movement who are not currently student.

On Saturday, at a meeting with the BNP they discussed about their demands of removing president Muhammed Shahabuddin, proclamation of the second republic and political consensus for national unity.

The meeting was held at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office with party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and joint general secretary Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie attending from its side.

From the protesters’ side, Student Movement Against Discrimination convener Hasnat Abdullah, member secretary Arif Sohel, spokesperson Umama Fatema, lead organiser Abudl Hannan Masud, National Citizens’ Committee convener Nasiruddin Patwary, member secretary Akhter Hossain, spokesperson Samanta Sharmin and member Ariful Islam Adib attended the meeting.

Emerging from the meeting, Hasnat told reporters that BNP top leaders heard the demands but did not announce their decision.

‘The BNP leaders said that after discussing the issues, including the president’s removal, in the party forum, they will announce their decision,’ he said.

A BNP leader, however, confirmed New Age that they did not give any specific time to the protesters in this regard.

Hasnat said that they called for national unity on October 23 for removing president Shahabuddin saying that he was an obstacle to the complete abolition of fascism.

‘We ensured Hasina’s overthrow fighting our way towards abolishing fascism. It was our primary victory. Now her [Hasina] appointed president Chuppu [Shahabuddin] must go,’ he stated.

‘We are discussing with the political parties about our new political settlement. We discussed with the BNP today. We have discussed three issues there,’ he said, adding that the first issue was proclamation of the second republic, the second issue was the president’s removal and the third one was forging a national unity to run the government.

Hasnat also said that they already held meetings with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh in this regard.

He said that Jammat and Islami Andolon agreed on the issue of the president’s removal.

Hasnat also said that meetings will be held with the Ganatantra Mancha, the 12-party alliance and the Gono Odhikar Parishad today.

Nasiruddin said, ‘Chuppu [Shahabuddin] must go and there should be a second republic declaration. We are not fixing any timeframes, but it should be done in the interest of people. We will be on the field with the demands.’

The Student Movement Against Discrimination and the National Citizens’ Committee on Wednesday jointly called for a national unity for the president’s removal and the cancellation of the constitution, while a small group on the day demonstrated in front of the Bangabhaban, office-cum-residence of the president.

The BNP, however, said that it was not in favour of the president’s removal at this time as it could delay the democratic transition as well as the national election.

The demand for the president’s removal comes into the fore after in a special interview with Manab Zamin editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury on October 19, president Shahabuddin said that he did not have ‘any documentary evidence’ of the former prime minister’s resignation.

Later on October 21 in a press release sent from the president’s press wing, Shahabuddin urged all to refrain from destabilising or embarrassing the interim government centring on ‘media publicity’ by quoting him regarding the resignation of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

‘The clear statement from the president is that all the questions that have arisen in the public mind regarding the resignation and departure from the country of the prime minister in the face of the student-people uprising, the dissolution of the parliament, and the constitutional validity of the incumbent interim government are answered in the order of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in the Special Reference No-01/2024, dated August 8, 2024,’ said the release.

On Thursday, the government decided to make a decision on the demand for the president’s resignation based on political consensus as it considered it as a political issue, rather than a constitutional one.

The cabinet made the decision at its meeting with chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus in the chair at his Tejgaon office, the government’s spokesperson and environment adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan told a press briefing.​

 

[Saif]

SAD, Nagorik Committee discuss President’s removal, other issues with BNP

Representatives from the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee on Saturday discussed various issues with the BNP, including the removal of the President.

en.prothomalo.com

SAD, Nagorik Committee discuss President’s removal, other issues with BNP
Prothom Alo English Desk
Dhaka
Updated: 26 Oct 2024, 22: 54

Representatives from the Students Against Discrimination and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee met with the BNP to discuss multiple issues on 26 OctoberUNB

Representatives from the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee on Saturday discussed various issues with the BNP, including the removal of the President, reports UNB.

After the meeting, SAD convener Hasnat Abdullah briefed reporters about the outcome, but there was no statement from the BNP.

The seven-member delegation of student leaders arrived at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office around 5:15pm and had a closed-door meeting with BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, and joint secretary general Shaheeduddin Chowdhury.

Hasnat Abdullah said they mainly discussed three issues-the proclamation of the Second Republic, the removal of the President, and consolidating national unity.

"As you know, we earlier called for national unity, urging all democratic political parties to come together to bring down the fascist Sheikh Hasina. This was a preliminary step," he said.

"Currently, we face obstacles in fully eliminating fascism, particularly Chuppu (President Mohammad Shahabuddin). He should be removed. For the past two days, we have been in talks over these issues with prominent political parties in our country that participated in the mass uprising. We've discussed these matters with the BNP," Hasnat said.

In the meeting, he said, they discussed how to declare the Proclamation of the Second Republic, how to quickly remove the President based on political consensus, and how to avoid any kind of crisis. "We also talked about how to strengthen national unity."

Besides the BNP, he mentioned they also spoke with Jamaat and Islami Andolon about it, and they agreed with their position.

"Jamaat has already clarified its position, stating the President has no moral grounds to remain in his post," Hasnat said.

He noted that Islami Andolon also expressed a desire for the prompt removal of the President based on national unity.

Hasnat also said they will hold talks with other parties and alliances on these matters.

"We'll continue our discussions to reinforce the national unity that was formed before 5 August to build a new Bangladesh free from fascism."

He mentioned that the discussion was held in an amicable atmosphere and that the BNP would clarify its position after discussion in their party forum.

"We hope they will come up with a positive response," he added.

BNP’s secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told Prothom Alo in the night that the party heard the position of the SAD and Nagorik Committee. BNP has not finalised any decision on the issue.

BNP will discuss the issue during its next meeting of the standing committee which will be held within a day or two and come up with a decision.

Apart from Hasnat, SAD’s spokesperson Umma Fatema, member secretary Arif Shohel, organiser Abdul Hannan Masud, Jatiya Nagorik Committee convener Nasiruddin Patoari, spokesperson Samantha Sharmin, and member Akhter Hossain were among the seven leaders present.

Nasir Uddin Patiwari said, "Chuppu must go, but we are not setting a specific timeframe."
Representatives from the Students Against Discrimination and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee met with the BNP to discuss multiple issues on 26 October UNB

Representatives from the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee on Saturday discussed various issues with the BNP, including the removal of the President, reports UNB.

After the meeting, SAD convener Hasnat Abdullah briefed reporters about the outcome, but there was no statement from the BNP.

The seven-member delegation of student leaders arrived at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office around 5:15pm and had a closed-door meeting with BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, and joint secretary general Shaheeduddin Chowdhury.

Hasnat Abdullah said they mainly discussed three issues-the proclamation of the Second Republic, the removal of the President, and consolidating national unity.

"As you know, we earlier called for national unity, urging all democratic political parties to come together to bring down the fascist Sheikh Hasina. This was a preliminary step," he said.

"Currently, we face obstacles in fully eliminating fascism, particularly Chuppu (President Mohammad Shahabuddin). He should be removed. For the past two days, we have been in talks over these issues with prominent political parties in our country that participated in the mass uprising. We've discussed these matters with the BNP," Hasnat said.

In the meeting, he said, they discussed how to declare the Proclamation of the Second Republic, how to quickly remove the President based on political consensus, and how to avoid any kind of crisis. "We also talked about how to strengthen national unity."

Besides the BNP, he mentioned they also spoke with Jamaat and Islami Andolon about it, and they agreed with their position.

"Jamaat has already clarified its position, stating the President has no moral grounds to remain in his post," Hasnat said.

He noted that Islami Andolon also expressed a desire for the prompt removal of the President based on national unity.

Hasnat also said they will hold talks with other parties and alliances on these matters.

"We'll continue our discussions to reinforce the national unity that was formed before 5 August to build a new Bangladesh free from fascism."

He mentioned that the discussion was held in an amicable atmosphere and that the BNP would clarify its position after discussion in their party forum.

"We hope they will come up with a positive response," he added.

BNP’s secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told Prothom Alo in the night that the party heard the position of the SAD and Nagorik Committee. BNP has not finalised any decision on the issue.

BNP will discuss the issue during its next meeting of the standing committee which will be held within a day or two and come up with a decision.

Apart from Hasnat, SAD’s spokesperson Umma Fatema, member secretary Arif Shohel, organiser Abdul Hannan Masud, Jatiya Nagorik Committee convener Nasiruddin Patoari, spokesperson Samantha Sharmin, and member Akhter Hossain were among the seven leaders present.

Nasir Uddin Patiwari said, "Chuppu must go, but we are not setting a specific timeframe."​

 

[Saif]

Decision on president through political consensus: Rizwana

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said decision will be taken on the basis of political consensus whether the president will remain or not

www.thedailystar.net

Decision on president through political consensus: Rizwana

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said decision will be taken on the basis of political consensus whether the president will remain or not.

"No decision has been taken on the president. Efforts are being made to build consensus among the political parties and then the decision will be taken after considering everything," she said.

Rizwana said these at a programme on the enforcement of the Mandatory Jute Packaging Act-2010 at the meeting room of the Ministry of Textiles at the Secretariat on Sunday.

Responding to a question, she said BNP believes the removal of the current president could create a crisis though some believe it would not. "The government's stance is to build a political consensus on this issue."

Rizwana also said there were no issue with taking the oath to this president, as the situation at the time required it, and there was no opportunity for alternative discussions.

Replying to another question, she said no discussion was held in the recent advisory council meeting over the banning of any political party.​

 

[Saif]

President has to go only after political consensus

More political parties have agreed in principle with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’s demand for the president’s removal but emphasised that any action has to be based on political consensus.

www.thedailystar.net

President has to go only after political consensus
Say 12-Party Alliance, Gono Odhikar Parishad

More political parties have agreed in principle with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement's demand for the president's removal but emphasised that any action has to be based on political consensus.

The development came after Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee yesterday held two separate meetings with Gono Odhikar Parishad and the 12-Party Alliance.

The issues of annulling the last three national elections, removing President Mohammed Shahabuddin and rewriting the constitution were discussed at the meetings, Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the movement, told reporters after the meetings.

While Gono Odhikar Parishad and the 12-Party Alliance agreed on the issues, they stressed on reaching a political consensus regarding the president's removal so that the culture of imposing a decision exploiting constitutional frameworks by the Awami League is not repeated, he said.

The party leaders called for determining the process of removing the president through a political consensus and discussion among parties, Shakil Uzzaman, office secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad, told The Daily Star.

Earlier in the day, the 12-Party Alliance, formed with members of the now defunct BNP-led 20-Party alliance, gave a similar statement after the meeting with the movement leaders.

"Our aim is for the entire nation to come together and reach a final decision. The interim government must not fail in any way as such a failure would have dire consequences for the entire country," Mostafa Jamal Haider, head of the 12-party alliance and chairman of Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar), told reporters emerging from the meeting.

He went on to call for speeding up the reforms so that elections could be held at the earliest.

He also called for unity among all parties, including the BNP.

BNP leaders on occasions have said that removing the president would create a crisis the nation does not desire.

The alliance leaders also enquired about the process of removing the president so that no constitutional crisis is created as a consequence.

Following the meeting, Nasiruddin Patwary, convenor of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, called on the BNP to "understand the pulse of the people" and cooperate in removing "the cobra sitting in the president's house".

Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday emphasised the importance of adhering to constitutional processes and avoiding hasty decisions regarding the removal of the president.

"We will not make any hasty declarations. We have a forum for discussion, and we will convene a standing committee meeting to clarify our stance following our discussions," he told reporters after laying wreaths at the grave of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.​

 

[Saif]

Stalemate continues over president’s removal

The impasse over the issue of president Muhammed Shahabuddin’s removal continued as of Sunday evening with some political parties taking time to reach consensus, although they morally agreed on the issue, while the Bangladesh Nationalist Party voiced caution against any ‘imprudent’ steps in this...

www.newagebd.net

Stalemate continues over president’s removal
Ahammad Foyez and Moloy Saha 27 October, 2024, 23:58

Muhammed Shahabuddin | File photo

The impasse over the issue of president Muhammed Shahabuddin’s removal continued as of Sunday evening with some political parties taking time to reach consensus, although they morally agreed on the issue, while the Bangladesh Nationalist Party voiced caution against any ‘imprudent’ steps in this regard.

The Student Movement Against Discrimination, which led the July-August student-mass uprising ousting then prime minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government on August 5, and National Citizens’ Committee, a platform floated after Hasina’s fall, on Sunday held separate meetings with the 12-party alliance and Gono Odhikar Parishad.

Earlier on Saturday, they held a meeting with the BNP that said it would take time to discuss the issue in its internal forum.

On Sunday, while speaking to reporters after placing a wreath at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, marking the 46th founding anniversary of Jatiyatabadi Juba Dal, party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that the interim government should operate within the constitutional framework avoiding any imprudent steps.

‘The only way to overcome every crisis is to hold a credible national election after completing all the necessary reforms related to the electoral process,’ he said.

Juba Dal leaders and activists accompanied Fakhrul at the event.

Asked about the party’s position on the removal of president Mohammed Shahabuddin following the meeting with students, he said, ‘We can’t provide BNP’s position like this... We have a party forum, and we will clarify our stance after discussing it at that forum.’

Fakhrul emphasised that at the moment forging a national unity was essential to consolidate the revolution and harvest its results.

‘We believe that all actions should be conducted within a constitutional framework without resorting to any arbitrary measures,’ he said, adding that their party had consistently urged the government to arrange an impartial election swiftly by implementing necessary electoral reforms.

When asked whether the party believed that delays in the election would deepen the crisis, Fakhrul responded that the government must take immediate steps to organise the national election to address the crisis.

‘A constitutional political force should take charge of the country and govern through a neutral election. This alone can resolve all crises,’ he said.

Besides, addressing a separate programme at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on the day, BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed alleged that attempts were on to brew a constitutional crisis.

‘If there is a constitutional crisis, if there is a political crisis, we have to analyse the power behind that crisis,’ he said.

‘After the revolution [July-August mass uprising], we have to think about whether the fruits of the revolution are robbed. We have to remain vigilant so that a state crisis does not arise, a constitutional crisis does not arise, so that fallen fascism does not take advantage of that crisis,’ he added.

After the meeting with 12-party alliance in a press release the National Citizens’ Committee said that the alliance had agreed in principle with the demand of the president’s removal, but the process would be discussed further.

‘The issues of repealing the constitution and proclamation of the Second Republic were discussed. The National Citizens’ Committee and the Student Movement Against Discrimination will continue discussions with various political parties to create a national unity on these issues,’ it said.

About the meeting, Liberal Democratic Party, Bangladesh president Shahadat Hossain Selim, the spokesperson of the 12-party alliance, told New Age that they told the leaders of the students and youths that they reserved no soft corner for Shahabuddin, but they feared his removal would usher in some constitutional crisis leading to delays in the national polls.

He also said that without reaching an agreement with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party over the issue, removing Shahabuddin would not be wise.

Later, the platforms held a meeting with Nurul Hauq Nur-led Gono Odhikar Parishad at its office in Dhaka.

After the meeting, Gono Odhikar Parishad secretary Rashed Khan at a press conference said that his party morally agreed with the demand of president’s removal, but they also feared the removal would trigger some major crisis.

‘We are against the president, but we certainly do not want to see any crisis in this regard. We want to know the position of the government on this,’ he said, adding that the crisis would be solved with the formation of a national government.

He also said that his party wanted an open dialogue between the interim government and all political parties.

At a programme, meanwhile, at a meeting on enforcing the Mandatory Jute Packaging Act 2010 at the textiles ministry at the Secretariat on the day, environment adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said that the decision on the president’s removal would be taken on the basis of political consensus.

‘No decision has been taken on the president. Efforts are being made to build consensus among the political parties and then the decision will be taken after considering everything,’ she said.

Responding to a question, she said that the BNP believed the removal would trigger a crisis, while some others believed it would not.

‘The government’s stance is to build a political consensus on this issue,’ she said, adding that there were no issues with taking oath administered by the incumbent president, as the situation demanded it, and there were no alternative opportunities.

After Saturday’s meeting with the BNP, Student Movement Against Discrimination convener Hasnat Abdullah told reporters that they earlier held meetings with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh in this regard.

He said that Jammat and Islami Andolon agreed that the president should be removed.

They are scheduled to hold a meeting with the Ganatantra Mancha today.

On October 23, the Student Movement Against Discrimination and the National Citizens’ Committee jointly called for national unity for the president’s removal and the cancellation of the constitution, while a small group on the day demonstrated in front of Bangabhaban, office-cum-residence of the president.

The demand for the president’s removal has come to the fore following a special interview of president Shahabuddin with Manab Zamin editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury published on October 19 in which he said that he did not have ‘any documentary evidence’ of the former prime minister’s resignation.

Later on October 21, in a press release sent from the president’s press wing, Shahabuddin urged all to refrain from destabilising or embarrassing the interim government centring on ‘media publicity’ by quoting him regarding the resignation of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

‘The clear statement from the president is that all the questions that have arisen in the public mind regarding the resignation and departure from the country of the prime minister in the face of the student-people uprising, the dissolution of the parliament, and the constitutional validity of the incumbent interim government are answered in the order of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in the Special Reference No-01/2024, dated August 8, 2024,’ said the release.​

 

[Saif]

Seek SC’s opinion for removing president

Two political parties yesterday suggested seeking the Supreme Court’s opinion for removal of President Mohammed Shahabuddin from office.

www.thedailystar.net

Seek SC’s opinion for removing president
2 political parties tell movement leaders

High Court

Two political parties yesterday suggested seeking the Supreme Court's opinion for removal of President Mohammed Shahabuddin from office.

In their discussions with the delegations from the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement and Jatiya Nagorik Committee, leaders of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party and Gono Odhikar Parishad (Kibria-Faruk faction) made the suggestion.

However, Ganatantra Mancha, an alliance of six political parties, told the student leaders that it would not be wise to take any decision in this regard excluding any political party that was part of the mass uprising.

In the first meeting of the day, the AB Party leaders suggested sending a reference to the Supreme Court for advice on the removal of the president, as they believe that if the president is not removed or if he does not resign from office, it may cause a great national crisis.

They made the remark during the discussion held at the AB Party's central office in Bijoynagar in the capital.

"We see both the prime minister and the president as illegitimate. Just as the parliament is illegitimate, so is the president elected by that parliament. It was necessary for the interim government to be sworn in under this president due to the exceptional circumstances, when all political and student leaders were present," Mujibur Rahman, member secretary of AB party, told reporters after the discussion.

Asked whether a constitutional crisis would arise if the president resigned or was removed, he called it a valid question. "That is why, we clearly suggested that a reference be sent to the Supreme Court for guidance on the matter."

Mentioning how the Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus and the advisory council took their oaths based on the Supreme Court's opinion after sending a reference, he said, "A similar reference under Article 106 of the Constitution could be sought regarding the issue of the president's removal for a resolution. We believe this would avoid any constitutional crisis or vacuum."

Nagorik Committee representative Arif Sohel mentioned that they had a positive discussion with the AB Party, which supports the president's resignation.

Both parties present at the discussion agreed that a "proclamation of republic," could be issued to recognise the July mass uprising and challenge the legitimacy of the past three elections under the Awami League.

Meanwhile, the Kibria-Faruk faction led by Reza Kibria of the Gono Odhikar Parishad also made similar suggestions.

"Since the government is now operating as per the constitutional framework, we have to proceed as per the Article 106 of the Constitution. We have no other option right now," Faruk Hasan, member secretary of the party, told The Daily Star.

They also agreed with the demand seeking the president's removal and opined that it should be done immediately.

"We have discussed three issues -- removal of the president, scrapping of the 1972 constitution, and challenging the last three national elections under AL government. We have agreed on all the issues with the student leaders. However, regarding the president's removal, we told them to follow a systemic procedure so that no crisis is created centring the issue," said Faruk.

At the meeting between the partners of the Ganatantra Mancha and the student leaders, the alliance partners said that a decision should be reached based on a national consensus and consider the "extra-constitutional" situation that may arise following the removal.

"We told them that any decision in this regard should be reached based on a national consensus and not excluding any party that has been active in the movement against the Awami League. However, we think that the president has no right to be in the post and should resign immediately," Saiful Huq, general secretary of the Revolutionary Workers' Party told this newspaper.

In regards to challenging the last three national elections, the alliance partners advised further discussions, saying such a decision may lead to technical issues.​

 

[Saif]

President lost credibility: AB Party

AB Party presented several key points and recommendations for national dialogue and consensus i

en.prothomalo.com

President lost credibility: AB Party
Prothom Alo English Desk
Published: 28 Oct 2024, 20: 07

The Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party held a meeting with the leaders of Students Against Discrimination and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee today Courtesy

The Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party held a meeting with the leaders of Students Against Discrimination and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee on Monday to address the ongoing controversy surrounding the office of the president and a potential constitutional ramification after his resignation.

The AB Party leaders raised concerns over recent statements by President Md Shahabuddin which have sparked public outrage and widespread calls for his resignation.

AB Party presented several key points and recommendations for national dialogue and consensus including immediate resignation of the president, a review from the Supreme Court to address the potential constitutional crisis after the president’s resignation, a consensus on whether the current government is a constitutional government or a revolutionary government, declaration of a national proclamation reflecting the historical student uprising to guide the government’s essential decisions, constitutional reforms and reformation of interim government to incorporate a broader coalition, thereby, increasing inclusivity and trust.

The AB Party concluded with a call for national unity, emphasising that past sacrifices must not go in vain and urging all political actors to work toward consensus on pressing constitutional and electoral issues.​

 

[Saif]

Student leaders to suggest formation of council with political parties

The Student Movement Against Discrimination and the National Citizens’ Committee are going suggest that the interim government should form a council with the representatives of all political parties to resolve...

www.newagebd.net

Student leaders to suggest formation of council with political parties
Moloy Saha 30 October, 2024, 00:03

President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

The Student Movement Against Discrimination and the National Citizens’ Committee are going suggest that the interim government should form a council with the representatives of all political parties to resolve the issue of the president’s removal.

They came up with the suggestion at a press conference following a meeting with the Left Democratic Alliance at Mukti Bhaban in Dhaka on Tuesday.

After the meeting, National Citizens’ Committee convener Nasiruddin Patwary said that they would advise the government to form a council with all the political parties.

‘They [the council] will discuss and decide who will be the president based on consensus,’ he said.

The two platforms, which raised the demand for the president ’s removal Mohammed Shahabuddin’s remark that he had no documentary evidence of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation as prime minister, already held talks with six parties and three alliances, including Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, to reach national consensus on their five-point demand, including the removal of the president.

After meeting with the Left Democratic Alliance, Nasiruddin said, ‘The decision we have reached in these few days of discussions is that this president must go. Political parties have not discussed the issue among themselves in that way or we have seen a lack of activism among themselves. After we took the initiative, that understanding came, awareness came and they realised that they needed to have consensus.’

‘We believe that we have been able to bring the reaction among them. They [political parties] said that they will find a solution through discussions in various levels, including the party forum, and it will be solved,’ he said.

After the meeting, Left Democratic Alliance coordinator Masud Rana said, ‘We said that the consensus of the political parties is the most important. Further activities have to be agreed upon through discussions with the political parties regarding the future action plan.’

The Left Democratic Alliance is a combine of six left political parties—Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist) coordinator, and also coordinator of the combine, Masud Rana chaired the meeting, while Communist Party of Bangladesh general secretary Ruuhin Hossain Prince, Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist) joint general secretary Razequzzaman Ratan, Democratic Revolutionary Party general secretary Mushrefa Mishu, Revolutionary Communist League central leader Abdus Satter, among others, attended the meeting.​