President Mohammad Shahabuddin has claimed that he was effectively kept under “house arrest” and subjected to severe mental pressure during the 18-month tenure of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, saying he now feels “completely free and relaxed” following the formation of a new administration.
In an exclusive interview at Bangabhaban with senior journalists from the Bangla daily Kaler Kantho, the President described what he called a “suffocating period” marked by restrictions on his movement, denial of foreign medical treatment, and alleged efforts to force him into resignation.
‘I Was Confined to the Palace’
Shahabuddin alleged that during the interim government’s rule, he was prevented from attending Eid prayers at the National Eidgah and barred from traveling abroad for medical follow-up appointments.
“I was practically confined to this palace,” he said, adding that security authorities informed him he would not be allowed to attend public religious events.
The President further claimed that despite having scheduled follow-up appointments for bypass surgery at medical institutions in Singapore and London, he was denied permission to travel. He contrasted this with the interim chief adviser’s multiple foreign visits during the same period.
According to Shahabuddin, the alleged restrictions were part of a broader effort to pressure him into stepping down so that a preferred candidate could be installed in his place, potentially delaying national elections.
August 5 Political Upheaval and Emergency Pressure
Recounting the events of August 5, 2024—the day the Awami League government fell—the President said he learned around 12:30 p.m. that then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had left the country.
Later that afternoon, Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman briefed him on the overall situation.
Shahabuddin said there was significant pressure from certain quarters to impose a state of emergency or military rule. However, he asserted that the chiefs of the armed forces opposed such measures.
“They [the armed forces] suggested continuing constitutionally toward an election,” he said, adding that his own resolve, combined with military cooperation, helped prevent unconstitutional action.
Formation of Interim Government
With no constitutional provision explicitly outlining the formation of an interim administration, the President said he sought guidance under Article 106 of the Constitution, which allows the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division to provide advisory opinions.
Based on that opinion, the interim government was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, who at the time was reportedly undergoing medical treatment in France. Shahabuddin said there had been discussions about alternative names, including economist Salehuddin Ahmed, but student leaders insisted on Yunus.
He also noted that the final list of advisers was discussed with the chiefs of the armed forces, and Yunus himself made additions and changes after returning to Bangladesh.
Mob Justice and Security Concerns
The President expressed concern over what he described as the spread of “mob justice” during the interim period, criticizing what he termed the government’s silence on incidents of lawlessness.He referred to an incident at Suhrawardy Udyan where a flag associated with Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI was allegedly displayed near a Liberation War memorial site, calling it a “dangerous signal.”
However, he praised the current government and Home Minister Salahuddin for taking a firm stance against mob violence.
Election and New Government
Shahabuddin expressed satisfaction with the recently concluded 13th parliamentary election, saying it met public expectations for a peaceful transition.
Speaking about newly appointed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he said, “He has the qualities of a statesman. Morning shows the day. In just a few days, there are reasons to be optimistic.”
The President also referenced Rahman’s political lineage, noting that his father had served as President and his mother as Prime Minister three times, and expressed hope that the new leader would guide the country forward.
On Resignation and Future Plans
Addressing reports by the international news agency Reuters, Shahabuddin claimed his earlier remarks had been misinterpreted. He clarified that his constitutional term runs until 2028.
However, he added that if the newly elected government believes it would be appropriate for him to step down, he would do so voluntarily and respectfully. Otherwise, he intends to serve out his term.
Looking ahead, the President said that after completing his tenure, he hopes to return to the legal profession as a consultant, drawing on four decades of experience in the field.
“I have endured a breathless year and a half,” he said with a smile. “Now, I feel completely free.”
