Will stay or step down, whatever BNP wants: President Shahabuddin
"I was constitutionally elected for five years; my tenure runs until 2028. That means I still have two years left. But I also said that if an elected government comes and feels that it would be better if I do not remain, then I am prepared to step down voluntarily," he said
President Mohammed Shahabuddin has said he will remain in office if the BNP-led government wishes him to stay, but will step down voluntarily if they feel his departure is preferable.
He made the remarks in an interview with Kaler Kantho at Bangabhaban on Friday night (20 February).
Responding to a question about whether he would continue if the BNP wanted its own choice as president, Shahabuddin said, "Why would it come to that? I am a conscious person. If they think I should stay, then I will stay. And if they say it is better for me to step aside, then I will step down honourably on my own."
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Clarifying recent discussions in political and media circles about a possible change in the presidency, he said his earlier comments had been misinterpreted.
"The statement is being explained differently. It needs to be understood in the context in which I said it," he said.
Referring to the past 18 months, he said, "Over the last 18 months, the previous government put me under considerable mental pressure, and I was humiliated on various occasions. That is why a kind of frustration grew in me. I said that one cannot remain president in such a situation; one feels like leaving. That is what I told Reuters."
He added that his remarks were later presented as though his tenure had ended.
"When I was asked what my position would be if a new election were held and a new government came, I said that I was constitutionally elected for five years; my tenure runs until 2028. That means I still have two years left. But I also said that if an elected government comes and feels that it would be better if I do not remain, then I am prepared to step down voluntarily. If they have such an intention, I would leave on my own."
Asked about his assessment of newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the president said he had only met him briefly but found encouraging signs.
"I have met him only for a short time and exchanged a few words. I saw that he has statesmanlike qualities. That can be said without hesitation. There is a saying, 'morning shows the day.' From his activities over the past few days, one can be hopeful, especially as the blood of a freedom fighter runs in his veins. I believe he will work for the good of the country."
Expressing relief after the formation of the new government, he said, "Now I am completely free of pressure and burden. I have spent one and a half years in a suffocating time. I am now completely relaxed. For one and a half years, my only concern was how to maintain constitutional continuity and how to keep Bangabhaban secure. That pressure has now completely gone."
