Govt sees no legal basis to arrest ex-president Shahabuddin: Home minister

The government has found no legal basis to arrest former president Mohammed Shahabuddin despite demands from political parties, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said today (26 July).

Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat after attending a ceremony, the minister said Shahabuddin resigned due to health reasons and submitted his resignation letter to the speaker in accordance with the Constitution.

He said the speaker accepted the resignation and is now serving as acting president under the constitutional provisions.

"After the mass uprising, we want people to enjoy the freedom to express political opinions and hold protests. The NCP and other political parties can raise allegations against him. However, we have not found any legal grounds to take action against him," Salahuddin said.

The minister said Shahabuddin enjoyed constitutional immunity and special privileges while serving as president.

As a result, there is no legal scope to file criminal cases against him over actions taken during his tenure.

However, he said any allegations unrelated to his role as president would be considered under existing laws.

Responding to media reports of an alleged conversation between Shahabuddin and former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the minister said the government had no information on the matter.

"We have also seen the reports in newspapers. If any media outlet makes such a claim, they must provide evidence. In the current technological era, people do not need to travel abroad to communicate with each other. So, I find the matter unrealistic," he said.

Asked whether allegations linked to Shahabuddin's earlier roles at the Anti-Corruption Commission and in banking administration, before he became president, would be investigated, Salahuddin Ahmed said any allegations from that period would be examined in accordance with the law.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami have demanded Shahabuddin's arrest. Asked about his security arrangements, the minister said the former president would receive all benefits provided under the law.

He said Shahabuddin would receive security support from the Special Security Force, the President's Guard Regiment and other agencies for six months. Police and other law enforcement agencies would also ensure his security.

When asked why opposition parties were demanding the former president's arrest, Salahuddin Ahmed said the parties themselves should explain their reasons.