Shahabuddin sworn in as president as Hamid's tenure, the longest, ends

Mohammad Shahabuddin was sworn in as the 22nd president of Bangladesh Monday, succeeding M Abdul Hamid, who had the longest tenure as the country's head of state.

As President Shahabuddin takes over, there are high expectations from various quarters about his performance, especially with the upcoming general election slated for late this year or early next year.

Mohammed Shahabuddin, a former lawyer, member of the judiciary, and commissioner at the Anti-Corruption Commission, took his oath during a brief 10-minute ceremony at the Bangabhaban Darbar Hall, conducted by Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury. 

Outgoing President Md Abdul Hamid, who is the only person in Bangladesh to have held the office of president for ten years in two consecutive terms, was also present. Two national elections were held in the country during Abdul Hamid's tenure as president – one in 2014 and the other in 2018.

After being sworn in, the new president was congratulated by the outgoing president, and the mantle of office was handed over by the swapping of their seats. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique, the new president's wife Rebecca Sultana, and the departing President's wife Rashida Khanam were in attendance. Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain moderated the ceremony.

Shahabuddin, an Awami League candidate, was elected president unopposed on 13 February this year. He is the 17th person to hold the office as some individuals held the post a multiple number of times.

Jatiya Party Chairman Golam Mohammad Quader has expressed the hope that the new president will ensure free and fair elections by assisting the government and the Election Commission. 

In a congratulatory message on Monday, GM Quader, who is also the deputy leader of the opposition, congratulated Shahabuddin on becoming the 22nd president and praised his prior judicial experience, saying it will aid in his managing of the state. 

He urged the president to protect people's rights and fulfil his duty as the guardian of the people, regardless of political affiliation.

However, the main opposition political party, the BNP, has expressed its discontent about the new president. The party claims that the entire presidential election process was undemocratic and illegal, and so it has nothing to say about the new president.

"The Awami League has a two-thirds majority in Parliament. It elected him through voting. However, the current parliament is not democratic; it was not elected by the direct vote of the people of the country. So, we don't want to say more about this," BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said while talking to reporters on Monday following President Shahabuddin's swearing in.

Mirza Fakhrul said the country's president should protect the status of the highest office of the state, and should be one from whom everyone can seek help according to protocol and talk to about national issues. 

He further added that the president should play a neutral role in all matters regardless of party opinion and work equally for everyone in the country. 

However, the BNP secretary general believes that such neutrality cannot be expected from a president nominated by the Awami League.

The BNP's main focus is the restoration of democracy, and it is taking to the streets to achieve it, Fakhrul said, adding that the party is calling for the resignation of the Awami League government and a fair and free election through the formation of an impartial Election Commission under a non-partisan caretaker government.

Krishak Sramik Janata League President Bangabir Quader Siddiqui said, "This is the first official swearing-in ceremony of a president. We expect better from him. It may be thought that the president has no power. And yet he has the opportunity to play a role in establishing peace and order, brotherhood and humane values in his country. We hope he will do so."

Bangladesh Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon said, "The president is the head of the nation. And constitutional responsibility rests on him. Therefore, it is his duty to see that this election is conducted constitutionally and impartially. I hope he will fulfill that.

"In what he has said so far, he has promised to ensure a fair and impartial election while preserving the dignity of the post."

Xi Jinping sends congratulatory letter

Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory letter to Md Shahabuddin on the latter's assumption of office as President of Bangladesh.

On behalf of the government of the People's Republic of China and its people as well as in his own name, Xi Jinping conveyed his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to President Shahabuddin, reports UNB.

The Chinese president said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Bangladesh relations, and stands ready to work with President Shahabuddin – to carry forward the time-tested friendship between the two countries, jointly enhance the Belt and Road Initiative, and keep promoting strategic partnership to better benefit the two peoples.

From student leader to president 

Md Shahabuddin was born on 10 December 1949 in the Jubilee Tank area of Shibrampur, Pabna. 

He obtained an MSc degree from Rajshahi University in 1974, followed by LLB and BCS (Law) examinations.

He was an active member of the Pabna district Chhatra League in his early days and would later go on to serve as the president of the unit.

Shahabuddin actively participated in various movements, including the Six-Point Movement in 1966, Bhutta (maize) Movement in 1967, mass uprising in 1969, the election of 1970, and the Liberation War in 1971. 

He was also involved in journalism and served as District and Sessions Judge and Anti-Corruption Commission Commissioner during his career.

He was imprisoned for three years for raising protests against the tragic incidents of 15 August 1975. 

After retirement from service, he was engaged in the legal profession in the High Court and served as Chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the 2001 post-election violence.

As an ACC Commissioner, he dealt with the "so-called corruption" plot against the Padma Bridge project. 

He also served as a member of Bangladesh Awami League's Advisory Council and was Chairman of the party's Central Publicity and Publication Sub-Committee.

Happy to return to unrestricted life: Abdul Hamid

Outgoing president Abdul Hamid said he is happy and content to return to a "normal, unrestricted life" after ending his second term as the head of state.

The veteran politician, who served as the president of the country for a decade, left Bangabhaban on Monday. After a grand farewell accorded to him at Bangabhaban, the former president arrived at his Nikunja residence in the capital at around 2pm on Monday.

Before leaving the presidential palace, Hamid had a candid conversation with journalists.

"I feel relieved. I am very happy. I'll be returning to an unrestricted life after ten years. You must have heard me say many times that I lived the life of a captive. Now I'll be free. As an ordinary citizen, I'll be able to move around freely," he said.

Hamid said it was his biggest joy.

He urged all politicians to love the country and its people and work for their well-being.

"I have no plan to return to politics. The people of Bangladesh have given me immense respect by making me president for two consecutive terms. Therefore, I can't return to politics and accept some other position as it would be tantamount to demeaning them. I'll never do that," Hamid said.

He invited the journalists, whom he always seemed quite fond of, to visit him often. "Please do come and visit me and we can have a candid conversation."

In response to reporters' queries, Hamid said his entire political career had been dedicated to working for the people and nothing beyond that.

"I hope everyone, irrespective of their political parties or opinions, will do the same. Then the political arena will be a good one," he said.

He also hoped the new president will perform his constitutional duties well. He said he always enjoyed being part of parliament.

A grand farewell

Bangabhaban, the official residence of the president, bid farewell to outgoing President Hamid in a grand manner, honouring him for his service to the nation. He was given a guard of honour at 1:10pm on Monday.

Hamid and the former first lady were honoured on Bangabhaban's green lawn. Hamid was seen in an open jeep adorned with flowers. Bangabhaban officials, divided into two groups, lined up on either side of the vehicle with farewell music playing in the background.

Bangabhaban staff and officers and PGR members showered petals on a farewell procession for the outgoing head of state. Bands from the Army, Navy and Air Force and Mounted Police took part in Hamid's farewell.