By CHT Desk
Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin stated he has heard reports of Sheikh Hasina resigning as prime minister but lacks documentary evidence. “I tried to collect the resignation letter many times but failed. Maybe she did not get the time,” he remarked. Shahabuddin made these comments during a meeting with Manab Zamin Chief Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, who inquired about the purported resignation letter. This conversation was published in the daily’s political magazine “Janatar Chokh.”
According to section 57(a) of the constitution, the prime minister’s office becomes vacant upon the resignation, which must be communicated to the president in writing. The president recounted that on August 5, at 10:30 am, Bangabhaban received a call from the prime minister’s residence indicating Hasina would visit. However, shortly after, another call canceled the visit. “At that moment, unrest was widespread,” he said.
Unsure of the situation, he instructed Military Secretary General Adil to gather information, but there were no updates. “We were waiting and watching the news. At one point, I heard she had left the country without informing me,” he added. When Army Chief General Waker visited Bangabhaban, he also conveyed that he had heard of Hasina’s resignation.
Shahabuddin noted, “When things settled, the cabinet secretary came to request a copy of the resignation letter. I told him I was also looking for it.” He emphasized, “There is no room for debate. The prime minister has left, and that is the truth. To address any uncertainty, I sought the Supreme Court’s opinion.” In response, the Appellate Division, led by then Chief Justice Obaidul Hasan, advised on August 8 that an interim government could be formed to fill the constitutional gap and ensure the executive’s smooth operation. The president is authorized to appoint a chief adviser and other members of the interim government.
Earlier reports indicated that the Awami League president traveled to India after resigning from the position of Prime Minister on August 5. On that same day, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman confirmed that Sheikh Hasina had resigned prior to her departure from the country. This was later reiterated by Touhid Hossain, the foreign advisor of the interim government. However, no official notice of resignation has been made public yet.
Source : The Chittagong Hill Tracts
