BB rules out fresh probe into ex-Prez Shahabuddin

Bangladesh Bank has ruled out launching a separate investigation into former President Mohammed Shahabuddin following his resignation, saying it will only take action if credible evidence emerges linking him to any previously reported wrongdoing.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Bangladesh Bank Spokesperson and Executive Director Arief Hossain Khan said the central bank was not considering any fresh inquiry into Shahabuddin.

"There is no proposal to initiate a separate investigation. However, if any evidence emerges connecting him to any previously reported incident, Bangladesh Bank will take action in accordance with the law," he said.

Shahabuddin resigned from office on Friday, nearly two years before the expiry of his five-year term. He had been elected President during the tenure of the Awami League government. Two days after stepping down, he vacated Bangabhaban and returned to his residence in Gulshan.

His resignation has intensified political pressure, with the National Citizen Party (NCP), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and Inqilab Moncho demanding his immediate arrest and prosecution over his alleged role during the July 2024 mass uprising.

The former President is also facing mounting legal scrutiny after two separate complaints were lodged against him with the prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), accusing him of crimes against humanity and other serious human rights violations allegedly committed during the anti-government protests.

The complaints were filed independently by the Bangladesh Azad Party (BAP) and the Rashtra Sanglap Forum, both seeking a formal investigation into Shahabuddin's alleged role in the violent crackdown on protesters.

The complaint submitted by the Rashtra Sanglap Forum alleges that Shahabuddin, as the country's President during the uprising, failed to discharge his constitutional responsibilities and bore legal responsibility for the killings of students and civilians, enforced disappearances, torture and other gross human rights violations allegedly committed during the unrest. It also refers to his alleged responsibility in relation to the disputed 2024 national election and the subsequent political violence.

The organisation has urged the ICT to collect documentary evidence, conduct a full investigation and initiate prosecution if sufficient evidence is established.

The Bangladesh Azad Party has also accused Shahabuddin of crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the Awami League administration and called for a tribunal investigation into his role during the July uprising. However, the party has not publicly disclosed the detailed contents of its complaint.

ICT Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam has confirmed receiving both complaints but said they are yet to be examined.

Under ICT procedures, complaints are first reviewed by the prosecution before being referred to the tribunal's investigation agency. A formal case can only be initiated if investigators find sufficient evidence and the prosecution subsequently files charges before the tribunal.

As of Sunday, no formal ICT case had been registered against Shahabuddin, no charges had been framed, and no court had determined his criminal liability.

The complaints are among a growing number of petitions filed against former senior state officials over their alleged involvement in the violence surrounding the July 2024 mass uprising, reflecting mounting demands for accountability following the political transition.