The interim government affirmed that no decision has been made regarding the president’s position, assuring the media that they will be informed promptly if any developments occur.
"Political parties are our stakeholders. Today's meeting with BNP is part of an ongoing dialogue with political parties. You will know in due course if there is any decision," said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, speaking to reporters outside the State Guest House Jamuna – the office of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus – on Wednesday afternoon.
Alam's comments were in response to media queries regarding speculation about the potential resignation or removal of President Shahabuddin, UNB reports.
On Tuesday evening, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir stated that the government supports the law adviser’s stance regarding the president.
“The government agrees with what Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said earlier regarding the president… there has been no decision as of now regarding the removal of the president,” Jahangir told reporters.
Political dialogue key
Nahid Islam, adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, emphasised that the decision on President Shahabuddin would come from political dialogue and national unity rather than legal or constitutional procedures.
"We have received the message from the people, and the interim government is consulting all stakeholders. A decision may be forthcoming after these discussions," he said, adding that stability, security, and discipline were the government's priorities in handling the issue.
"There is no need for demonstrations in front of Bangabhaban or elsewhere. Whether the president remains in office is not a legal or constitutional matter at this time; it is a political decision,” the adviser added.
“We are engaged in talks, and once we reach a logical decision, we will inform everyone,” he said, issuing a warning that conspiracies were at play both domestically and abroad, urging student protesters to remain calm and vigilant.
Nahid stressed that the decision must prioritise the state and its citizens.
BNP urges unity
Meanwhile, senior BNP leaders met with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, urging the government to strengthen national unity to foil any attempts to create a constitutional and political crisis amid the growing demand for the president's resignation.
BNP Standing Committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud, and Salahuddin Ahmed participated in the meeting to discuss the political situation.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, BNP’s Nazrul Islam Khan said, “We are observing that the associates of the ousted fascist regime are making various efforts and resorting to different tactics to create a constitutional and political crisis in the country.”
“We think national unity needs to be more consolidated to protect and restore democracy, which came through long struggles at the cost of many lives,” he added.
Salahuddin Ahmed, another BNP Standing Committee member, emphasised the risks of a constitutional crisis if the president's position becomes vacant.
“The presidency is the highest constitutional position and it is also an institution. If this position becomes vacant due to resignation or removal, it will create a constitutional and national crisis,” he said, urging the nation to stay alert against plots by the deposed regime.
30 injured in protests
Protests outside President Shahabuddin’s residence escalated on Tuesday night when demonstrators clashed with riot police while attempting to storm the compound, leaving 30 injured.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Talebur Rahman said at least 25 police officers were injured by protesters.
"Nine are still undergoing treatment. The protesters threw stones and attacked them indiscriminately," he told AFP.
The protesters were demanding the president’s resignation after Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, chief editor of Manab Zamin, claimed in Janatar Chokh that the president had told him he never received a resignation letter from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul later accused the president of lying, stating that this amounted to a breach of his oath. "The president’s claim about not receiving Hasina’s resignation letter is a lie and a violation of his oath," Dr Asif said.
Demonstrators began gathering outside Shahabuddin’s compound in Dhaka on Tuesday, accusing him of remaining loyal to Hasina’s regime and demanding his resignation.
Faruk Hossain, a student leader, told AFP, “Since the student-led protest toppled the fascist regime, there shouldn’t be a president from that regime. He must be replaced by a people’s president.”
Security heightened
Security measures around Bangabhaban, the presidential residence, were heightened following the violence, with authorities implementing a strict lockdown to prevent further unrest.
Barbed wire fencing, barricades, and multiple layers of security have been installed, with the APBN (Armed Police Battalion), BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh), police, and army personnel on high alert. Armoured vehicles, water cannons, and riot control vehicles have also been deployed in case of further escalation.
Despite the increased security presence, sporadic attempts by protesters to gather near Bangabhaban continued, though daytime demonstrations remained relatively calm.
A robust four-layer security cordon has been established along the road leading to the presidential residence, with a three-layer barbed wire fence to prevent unauthorised access.
Law enforcement officials said they remain on high alert to manage any potential escalation, but no formal statement has yet been issued from the President’s Office.
