Welcoming President Mohammed Shahabuddin

We wholeheartedly felicitate Mohammed Shahabuddin for becoming the 22nd President of the People’s Republic of Bang-ladesh.

According to media reports Jatiya Sangsad (parliament) Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury administered the oath of the of-fice of the president at 11am on Monday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rah-man’s younger daughter Sheikh Rehana, cabinet members and several hundred distinguished guests attended the state cer-emony.

It would be an understatement to say that Mohammed Shahabuddin’s nomination came as a surprise. His name rarely, if ever figured in the discussions about who would become the new president after President Abdul Hamid vacates his chair. However, the surprise was of a pleasant variety. As a prominent member of civil society Mohammed Shahabuddin is known for his honesty, integrity liberal values and opposition to fanaticism. We believe that Awami League has shown great sa-gacity and wisdom in nominating him as the new president.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s willingness to make sacrifices for causes he believes is exemplary. In 1975, after the assassination of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he got arrested and was in prison for three years because he was vocal against the newly formed government that was directed by the heinous murderers.

The new president is a former commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), a retired district and sessions judge, and a valiant freedom fighter.

During the Liberation War in 1971, President Shahabuddin was a key player in the northern region, serving as a student leader and the convener of the Swadhin Bangla Chhatra Sangram Parishad. In the early 1970s, he was actively involved in progressive politics.

The new president’s progressive credentials are widely respected. He has upheld the pro-Liberation ethos throughout his life and career. As a president, these values will indeed hold him in good stead.

President Shahabuddin distinguished himself with his integrity and forthrightness as a commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission. His experience as a district and sessions judge has undoubtedly instilled in him a thorough knowledge of the law of the land.

As a judge, he had to make critical decisions and his experience there will help him at Bangabhaban.

In the current global situation, Bangladesh is under pressure from various fronts. President-elect Shahabuddin will have to play a proactive role in guiding the nation in this comparatively unstable situation.

We believe once he assumes office Mohammed Shahabuddin will act neutrally and with integrity in the best interest of the republic. Mohammed Sahabuddin is a relatively young and energetic man. We wish that this energy will add dynamism and vigour to the highest office of the land.

The current President Abdul Hamid’s presidency has been marked by an understated dignity and grandeur. Unlike many of his predecessors President Abdul Hamid used his wit and sense of humour to his advantage. He showed that a president can also laugh and it does not diminish the stature of the august position. He will be remembered as a wise and benevolent guardian of the country and its citizens.

We expect that Mohammed Shahabuddin would be a worthy successor to former president Abdul Hamid. Of course, he will have his own style and way of getting things done. We wish him all the best.