Dark shadow of authoritarianism removed, says Oppn leader

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin has, albeit belatedly, removed what he described as the ‘dark shadow of authoritarianism’ hanging over the nation.

Speaking at an emergency press conference organized by Jamaat-e-Islami at the Opposition Leader's official residence on Minto Road in the capital on Friday, Dr Rahman congratulated Speaker of Parliament Major (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed on assuming the responsibilities of Acting President.

He urged the Acting President to discharge his constitutional duties with neutrality, integrity and impartiality.

"One of the key demands of the July Uprising was that Shahabuddin Chuppu should no longer remain President," Dr Rahman said.

He alleged that the former President had earlier stated that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had submitted her resignation letter to him, but later denied making such a statement.

"By doing so, he violated the oath of office he had taken as President. Although delayed, the nation has finally been freed from the shadow of authoritarianism left behind," he said.

The Jamaat chief said his party expected the Acting President to perform his responsibilities without political bias and pledged Jamaat's full cooperation in carrying out constitutional duties.

"We hope the next President will be a person of integrity who is not a sycophant to any political force," he added.

Referring to the recently resigned President, Dr Rahman further alleged that Mohammed Shahabuddin had remained a 'silent collaborator' during the killings that occurred in 2024.

The emergency press conference was held shortly after the announcement of the President's resignation, amid significant political developments surrounding the country's top constitutional office.