Advisory Council meeting: Fate of president to be decided after discussions with political parties

The fate of President Shahabuddin, whether he remains or is removed, will be decided after discussions with different political parties.

The decision was taken at an Advisory Council meeting today (24 October) chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

Environment adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan told Prothom Alo that the government has started discussions on whether the president will resign or not with political parties. 

A decision will be taken based on the consensus following the discussions.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as a major political party, does not want President Mohammed Shahabuddin's exit, stating that it would create a constitutional crisis in the country.

"A constitutional and state crisis will be created if the president's post falls vacant. It will delay the elections. So, the BNP doesn't want the resignation of the president,"BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said after a crucial meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus yesterday.

A tense situation prevailed in front of the Bangabhaban on Tuesday (22 October) as protesters staged a demonstration demanding the resignation of President Shahabuddin within 24 hours following his statement regarding the documentation of the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation letter. 

At least five people were injured as law enforcers fired pellet bullets and sound grenades at protesters trying to break the barricades in front of Bangabhaban.

Earlier on the day, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement pressed forth a five-point demand, including the resignation of President Shahabuddin within this week.

Meanwhile, yesterday, the BNP said they do not support the removal of President Shahabuddin as it would create a fresh constitutional crisis in the country.

A delegation of the party met Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus on the day and informed him about the party's stance.

"A constitutional and state crisis will be created if the president's post falls vacant. It will delay the elections. So, the BNP doesn't want the resignation of the president," a top BNP leader said after the meeting.

With its archrival Awami League facing genocide charge and its entire leadership remaining disappeared from public life, BNP emerges as the largest political party in post-Hasina Bangladesh. 

Widely persecuted by the Hasina regime during street movements demanding free and fair elections, the BNP is now upbeat about returning to power in the next election set to be held under the Yunus-led interim government. BNP leaders have continuously been urging the government to announce an election roadmap.

A fresh constitutional crisis as BNP leaders fear may delay the election.