Tarique, daughter Zaima meet President Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban

This marks the first formal meeting between the two leaders since the BNP formed a government

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban, marking their first formal meeting since the formation of the new government.

The premier, accompanied by his daughter Zaima Rahman, arrived at the presidential palace at 6:10pm after attending an Independence Day friendly football match at the National Stadium.

They were received by the president and First Lady Rebecca Sultana.

Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Ruman said the head of government minister exchanged greetings with the head of state.

This encounter follows their last meeting on Feb 17 at the Parliament Building, shortly after Tarique was sworn in as prime minister.

Shahabuddin is the 22nd president of Bangladesh.

Despite the sweeping political changes following the mass uprising on Aug 5, 2024, Shahabuddin stayed in office to maintain constitutional continuity.

Before becoming president, Sahabuddin, widely known by his nickname Chuppu, had a storied career in the judiciary and civil service.

A former secretary general of the Judicial Service Association, he served as a commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission from 2011 to 2016.

He was imprisoned following the 1975 assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and later headed the commission investigating attacks on minorities and political activists during the 2001-2006 BNP-Jamaat tenure.

Sahabuddin’s presidency has been marked by extreme pressure.

Following the August uprising, he dissolved parliament and administered the oath of office to the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

His resignation has been repeatedly demanded since the July Uprising.

The interim government and the BNP have both signalled a preference for him to remain in office to avoid a "constitutional vacuum".