2024 Bangladesh Presidential resignation protests
| 2024 Bangladesh Presidential resignation protests | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Part of aftermath of the Student-People's uprising | |||
| Date | 22 October 2024–present | ||
| Location | |||
| Goals | Resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin | ||
| Methods | Public demonstration | ||
| Status | Ongoing | ||
| Parties | |||
| Lead figures | |||
| Casualties | |||
| Injuries | 30[1][2][3] | ||
| Part of a series on the |
| Student–People's uprising |
|---|
 |
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
[edit]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 Zamin's Chief Editor, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury,[12] the President quoted that,
"I tried [to collect the resignation letter] many times but failed. Maybe she did not get the time. When things came under control, one day the cabinet secretary came to collect the copy of the resignation letter. I told him that I too am looking for it,"[13]
Citing concerns over the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister, and the legality of the interim government as per the existing constitution.[14]
Events
[edit]![[icon]](/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (October 2024) |
Reaction
[edit]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."[15]
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,
"...the government also agrees that by lying about the letter, the president has violated his oath,..."[16]
Asif Mahmud, the Interim Advisor for the Ministries of Youth and Sports and Labor and Employment, posted on Facebook that 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.[17]
During a roundtable discussion organized by Islami Andolan in Segunbagicha, Sarjis Alam, one of the coordinator of Anti-discrimination Students Movement quoted,
"If a person like President Mohammed Shahabuddin says that he does not have the documents of Sheikh Hasina's resignation, then it will be up to the student community to decide what action should be taken against him."[18]
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."[19]
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."[20]
References
[edit]- ^ "30 injured in protests calling for Bangladesh president's resignation". Dawn (newspaper). 24 October 2024. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
- ^ "30 Injured In Protests Demanding Bangladeshi President Resign". Barron's. 23 October 2024. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
- ^ "30 injured in protests demanding Bangladesh President's resignation". Khaleej Times. 23 October 2024. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
- ^ রাষ্ট্রপতির পদত্যাগ দাবিতে বঙ্গভবনের সামনে তিন ব্যক্তি. The Daily Ittefaq. 23 October 2024. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
- ^ "Student activists slap President Shahabuddin with 24-hour deadline to resign". BDNews24. 22 October 2024. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
- ^ "'Crony of Hasina': Bangladesh protesters siege presidential palace demanding his resignation". The Times of India. 23 October 2024. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
- ^ "Protesters demand removal of Bangladesh president over comments on Hasina's resignation". Deccan Herald. 22 October 2024.
- ^ "'He was in favour of genocide': Protesters call for Bangladesh president's removal over remarks on Hasina". The Times of India. 22 October 2024.
- ^ "Bangladesh's president dissolves parliament, clearing the way for elections to replace ousted leader". France 24. 8 August 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ "Bangladesh's president dissolves parliament, ending era of ex-Premier Sheikh Hasina". Andalou Agency. 6 August 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ "Muhammad Yunus takes oath as head of Bangladesh's interim government". Al Jazeera. 8 August 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ "'I have no documentary evidence of Hasina's resignation': President tells Manab Zamin chief editor". The Business Standard. 21 October 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ "Controversy arises over Hasina's resignation". New Age (Bangladesh). 22 October 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ "Hasina's resignation: Debate swirls around president's remark". The Daily Star (Bangladesh). 22 October 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ "'President lied about Hasina's resignation letter': Interim govt agrees with Asif Nazrul". The Business Standard. 22 October 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ^ "Pressure piles on president to step down". The Daily Star (Bangladesh). 23 October 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ^ "Asif Mahmud: Hasina verbally resigned to President". Dhaka Tribune. 21 October 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ^ "Sarjis: Students to decide President's fate". Dhaka Tribune. 21 October 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ^ "Hasnat demands removal of president". The Daily Star (Bangladesh). 4 October 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ^ "Hasnat Abdullah wants to know political parties' stance on President, constitution". The Financial Express. 23 October 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.