BNP calls for vigilance to prevent fresh constitutional crisis

A BNP delegation meets Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus amid protests calling for the removal of the president

The BNP has urged the interim government to remain vigilant in order to ensure that 'no new constitutional or political crises' emerge in the country amid protests demanding President Mohammed Shahabuddin's removal.

Against the backdrop of growing calls for President Shahabuddin's resignation, a BNP delegation met with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus at Dhaka's State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday.

BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan, who was part of the delegation alongside Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed, spoke to reporters afterwards.

On the issues discussed at the meeting, Nazrul said, “There was nothing specific, but we said that everyone should be vigilant to ensure that no new constitutional or political crises emerge in the country. Should they arise, we’ll combat it together.”

Asked whether the BNP gave any opinion about the president’s resignation, he said that the meeting was a continuation of the political dialogues with the chief advisor, focusing on the current political climate in Bangladesh.

"We spoke about establishing a government for the people through an election following the necessary reforms aimed at restoring democracy and creating grounds for a fair election, which can be achieved through collective effort.”

The BNP also called on the government to play a ‘strict' and 'effective' role to reduce the sufferings of the people due to the escalating prices of essentials, according to Nazrul.

"The fallen fascist power and their allies are using different strategies to create political and constitutional crises in the country. We believe that we should strengthen our national unity to restore democracy and safeguard the achievements and changes made through a long and bloody struggle,” he said.

“All political parties, professional organisations and student organisations should unite so that no one can create a new constitutional or political crisis. We need to be vigilant.”

Nazrul emphasised that state reforms should be based on consensus and completed swiftly.

He said that the BNP delegation urged the chief advisor to address ongoing national crises and work to restore democracy, which was as a ‘key demand’ of the movement that toppled the Awami League government.

In the face of a student-led mass uprising, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigned from office and fled the country on Aug 5.

However, the president recent remarks on whether Hasina had resigned as prime minister has sparked a fresh controversy two and a half months later.

In an interview with Daily Manab Zamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, the head of state said he had heard about Hasina’s resignation but could not find the resignation letter itself.

The president has come under intense pressure after the statements were published in the outlet’s magazine.

Law Advisor Asif Nazrul claimed that President Shahabuddin had breached his oath by telling a 'lie', reiterating that there was a constitutional provision to remove him.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, which had overthrown the Hasina regime, has already demanded the president's resignation from a rally outside the Bangabhaban.

One group at the protest asked him to resign within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, another group of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement also held a rally at the Central Shaheed Minar, where they demanded that the president resign by the end of this week.

Tensions escalated near the Bangabhaban on Tuesday when protesters attempted to breach security barricades. In response, police used batons and sound grenades to disperse the crowd. The protest continued into the night.

Senior lawyers have indicated that the constitution does not provide a mechanism for removing the president in the absence of a sitting parliament.

However, they noted that the president could choose to resign voluntarily. Alternatively, the government could request his resignation or seek guidance from the Supreme Court on the matter.

ANY ‘DEVELOPMENTS’ ON PRESIDENT’S REMOVAL WILL BE SHARED

Any development on the matter of the president’s removal will be shared, says Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor Shafiqul Alam.

''Leaders from the BNP, one of the major political parties in Bangladesh, met the chief advisor at 11am. Law Advisor Asif Nazrul and Special Assistant Mahfuz Alam were also present at the meeting,” the press secretary said at a press briefing at the chief advisor’s official residence Jamuna.

He said the meeting was part of the ongoing dialogues with the political parties.

The protesters demanding for the president’s resignation have given an ultimatum. The reporters asked if the chief advisor spoke to the BNP leaders on the issue.

“We’re having a lot of conversations with the political parties. The chief advisor spoke to the BNP leaders today as part of it. Any development will be shared with you,” Alam said.