DHAKA, Bangladesh — President Mohammed Shahabuddin has said he has no formal documentation confirming that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned, despite widespread reports of her departure following a mass student-led uprising.
Speaking with Manab Zamin Chief Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, President Shahabuddin recounted his attempts to verify the resignation, which allegedly occurred on August 5. “I tried many times to collect the resignation letter but failed. Maybe she didn’t get the time,” Shahabuddin said, adding that he had heard about her resignation but had not received official confirmation.
According to the president, the Prime Minister’s Office had contacted the presidential residence, Bangabhaban, on the morning of August 5, stating that Hasina planned to meet with him. Preparations were made, but the meeting was abruptly canceled. Shortly afterward, reports began circulating that Hasina had left the country.
“I don’t know what was going to happen at that point,” Shahabuddin explained. “There was unrest everywhere, and I couldn’t rely on rumors. We tried to find out what was happening, but there was no official news.”
The president also mentioned that the army chief and other officials had heard similar reports of Hasina’s resignation but could not confirm it. “She didn’t tell me anything. I’m just telling you what I know,” Shahabuddin told Chowdhury.
With no official resignation letter available, Shahabuddin sought the opinion of the Supreme Court to clarify the situation. On August 8, the Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Obaidul Hasan, issued a ruling allowing for the formation of an interim government to prevent a constitutional vacuum.
“The prime minister has left, and that is the truth,” Shahabuddin stated. “But I wanted to ensure that this question never arises again.”
The court’s ruling allowed the president to swear in a chief adviser and other members of an interim government to ensure smooth executive operations until the political situation stabilizes.
Hasina’s departure has left many questions unanswered, as Bangladesh continues to grapple with the fallout from the protests and the sudden power shift.