Bangladeshi president ‘under fire’ weeks after ex-prime minister’s ousting: Summary

What we know

• Fresh protests have emerged in Bangladesh as youth groups demand the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin over confusion regarding the resignation letter of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
• These protests began after the president claimed he did not have Hasina's resignation letter, contradicting his earlier statement that she had resigned before fleeing the country on 5th August.
• Hasina left Bangladesh hurriedly when protests escalated against her, with reports saying the army gave her 45 minutes to leave the country to avoid danger.
• Protestors tried to break into the presidential palace on October 22, but police chased them away, preventing a repeat of the August incident.
• The interim government is yet to decide on removing the president. Meanwhile, the presence of the resignation is important to endorse the legitimacy of the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus.

What they said

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam has said that the new administration will decide on the resignation of President Sahabuddin in due time. Speaking to the media on October 23, he said the government’s decision will ensure that stability and security are maintained in the country. "We formed the government on August 8 to ensure stability and security for the state. However, if the people feel that this setup needs to change, the government will certainly take that into consideration. The president's resignation is not a legal issue but a political one," he was quoted.