2024 Bangladesh presidential resignation protests explained

2024 Bangladesh Presidential resignation protests
Partof:aftermath of the Student-People's uprising
Date:22 October 2024–present
Place: Bangladesh
Goals:Resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin
Methods:Public demonstration
Status:Ongoing
Side1:Anti-discrimination Students Movement
Side2: President of Bangladesh
Leadfigures1:Collective leadership
Leadfigures2:Mohammed Shahabuddin
Injuries:30[1] [2] [3]

The 2024 Bangladesh Presidential resignation protests are an ongoing protest demanding President Mohammed Shahabuddin's resignation stem[4] from his controversial remarks following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Protesters accuse Shahabuddin of siding with authoritarian forces, fueling dissatisfaction among students and civil society groups.[5] [6]

This movement, initiated by student-led organizations, has intensified due to widespread frustration with political corruption, government mismanagement, and a perceived erosion of democracy under the Awami League's rule. Calls for constitutional reform and the president's removal have become central to the protests.[7] [8]

Background

On August 6, 2024, in response to a national uprising, President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the 12th Jatiya Sangsad and announced the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.[9] Subsequently, after consultations with political parties, military representatives, and protest leaders, he declared the formation of an interim government.[10] The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took oath on 8 August, 2024, under the observation of the President and Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan.[11]

Later on October, during a conversation with Manab Zamins Chief Editor, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury,[12] the President quoted that, Citing concerns over the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister, and the legality of the interim government as per the existing constitution.[13]

Reaction

Following the remarks, interim government's Adviser for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Asif Nazrul said, "The president's statement that he did not receive Sheikh Hasina's resignation letter is a lie, and it is a violation of his oath."[14]

The Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary, Apurba Jahangir, during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy agreed with Law advisers views and quoted,

Asif Mahmud, the Interim Adviser for the Ministries of Youth and Sports and Labor and Employment, posted on Facebook stating, "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had verbally communicated her resignation to the President". He added, while she was initially expected to deliver a formal resignation letter at Bangabhaban, the approach of protesters near Ganabhaban reportedly necessitated her departure from the location. Mahmud questioned the implications of the resignation occurring under these circumstances.[15]

During a roundtable discussion organized by Islami Andolan in Segunbagicha, Sarjis Alam, one of the coordinator of Anti-discrimination Students Movement quoted, Another coordinator, Hasnat Abdullah, also posted on social media stating, "Awami League [as a party] should face justice, a new constitution should be written, corrupt Awami bureaucrats should be sacked, all illegal agreements made during Hasina's tenure should be cancelled, and (Sahabuddin) Chuppu should be removed from the post of president immediately."[16]

Nasir Uddin Patwary, convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, also criticised President Shahabuddin, saying, "Chuppu (President) is part of the fascist regime. He has no right to remain as president, and we will not allow any element of this regime to persist after the mass uprising."[17]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 30 injured in protests calling for Bangladesh president's resignation. 24 October 2024. Dawn (newspaper). 25 October 2024.
  2. Web site: 30 Injured In Protests Demanding Bangladeshi President Resign. 23 October 2024. Barron's. 25 October 2024.
  3. Web site: 30 injured in protests demanding Bangladesh President's resignation. 23 October 2024. Khaleej Times. 25 October 2024.
  4. News: https://www.ittefaq.com.bd/704484/%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B7%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%97-%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%. 23 October 2024. en. bn:রাষ্ট্রপতির পদত্যাগ দাবিতে বঙ্গভবনের সামনে তিন ব্যক্তি. 23 October 2024. The Daily Ittefaq.
  5. News: Student activists slap President Shahabuddin with 24-hour deadline to resign. 22 October 2024. en. 23 October 2024. BDNews24.
  6. News: 'Crony of Hasina': Bangladesh protesters siege presidential palace demanding his resignation. 23 October 2024. en. 23 October 2024. The Times of India.
  7. Web site: Protesters demand removal of Bangladesh president over comments on Hasina's resignation. Deccan Herald. 22 October 2024.
  8. Web site: 'He was in favour of genocide': Protesters call for Bangladesh president's removal over remarks on Hasina. 22 October 2024. The Times of India.
  9. Web site: Bangladesh's president dissolves parliament, clearing the way for elections to replace ousted leader. 8 August 2024. France 24. 24 October 2024.
  10. Web site: Bangladesh's president dissolves parliament, ending era of ex-Premier Sheikh Hasina. 6 August 2024. Andalou Agency. 24 October 2024.
  11. Web site: Muhammad Yunus takes oath as head of Bangladesh's interim government. 8 August 2024. Al Jazeera. 24 October 2024.
  12. Web site: 'I have no documentary evidence of Hasina's resignation': President tells Manab Zamin chief editor. 21 October 2024. The Business Standard. 24 October 2024.
  13. Web site: Hasina's resignation: Debate swirls around president's remark. 22 October 2024. The Daily Star (Bangladesh). 24 October 2024.
  14. Web site: 'President lied about Hasina's resignation letter': Interim govt agrees with Asif Nazrul. 22 October 2024. The Business Standard. 12 November 2024.
  15. Web site: Asif Mahmud: Hasina verbally resigned to President. Dhaka Tribune. 21 October 2024. 12 November 2024.
  16. Web site: Hasnat demands removal of president. 4 October 2024. The Daily Star (Bangladesh). 12 November 2024.
  17. Web site: Hasnat Abdullah wants to know political parties’ stance on President, constitution. 23 October 2024. The Financial Express. 12 November 2024.