Dhaka, 26 July (H.S.): Bangladesh's Home Adviser Salahuddin Ahmed has asserted that former President Mohammad Shahabuddin was not pressured into resigning from office on July 24. He said Shahabuddin stepped down solely due to health reasons and submitted his resignation to the Speaker of Parliament in accordance with the country's Constitution. Parliament Speaker Hafizuddin Ahmed is currently serving as the Acting President.

According to a report by the *Dhaka Tribune*, Salahuddin Ahmed said the government has found no legal basis to arrest former President Mohammad Shahabuddin. He added that Shahabuddin will continue to receive all benefits and privileges available to a former President. The Home Adviser further stated that no legal proceedings can be initiated against him for actions performed in the discharge of his constitutional duties during his tenure. However, if allegations unrelated to his official responsibilities emerge, they may be investigated in accordance with the law.

The Home Adviser made these remarks during a press conference following a police awards ceremony on Saturday. He said the President's resignation had been accepted strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions. Responding to criticism and objections raised by several political parties over Shahabuddin's resignation, Salahuddin Ahmed said, In post-uprising Bangladesh, everyone is free to express political opinions and place their demands. We have not seen anything that warrants legal action. The President discharged his constitutional responsibilities and cooperated with the government.

When asked about the alleged leaked audio recordings involving former President Shahabuddin, the Home Adviser said the government had only seen media reports regarding the matter. He also stated that diplomatic efforts have been intensified to secure the extradition of former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed from the United Arab Emirates.

Notably, the 76-year-old former President Mohammad Shahabuddin is widely regarded as a close associate of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Shahabuddin resigned only days after Sheikh Hasina announced that she intended to return to Bangladesh by the end of the year. He was elected President of Bangladesh in 2023 during the tenure of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina and remained associated with the Awami League until 2024. The opposition National Citizen Party has demanded the arrest of the former President.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar