Shahabuddin played President's role as per constitution: Salahuddin

The government has no information or evidence that recently resigned President Md Shahabuddin spoke over the phone with ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during his stay in London for treatment, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Sunday.

He also said Shahabuddin would receive all privileges and facilities he is entitled to under the law as a former president.

The Home Minister made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists at an award ceremony held at the ministry's meeting room at the Secretariat. The event was organised to recognise police personnel for bravery and commendable work.

Asked about allegations that Shahabuddin had spoken to fugitive Sheikh Hasina over the phone while he was in London for treatment, Salahuddin said he had seen the reports in newspapers.

He said the newspapers concerned should be asked what evidence they had used as the basis for publishing such reports.

“The government does not have any such information,” he said.

Asked about the opposition's demand for Shahabuddin's arrest, the Home Minister said, “Ask the opposition why they want the President's arrest.”

He expressed hope that people would have the freedom to express their political views in the post-uprising period. People would also have the freedom to protest, he added.

Referring to Shahabuddin's role as president, Salahuddin said he had performed his duties according to the rules and the Constitution at the end of the previous regime, throughout the interim government and under the current political government.

"We received the President's cooperation. According to the Constitution, he is privileged; he has immunity. He cannot be sued in court for criminal offences or other matters," he said.

"If anyone makes statements outside of this, they have the freedom to do so. But I don't see anything that needs to be taken into account," the minister added.

Salahuddin said those demanding the former president's arrest should be aware of his constitutional immunity.

Asked about allegations against Shahabuddin from before he became president, the Home Minister said, "If there were any allegations against him at that time, it was a matter of that time. It will be dealt with according to the law."

He said Shahabuddin, as a former president, would receive all facilities he is entitled to under the law.

The former president will receive special security for six months. During this period, he will get protection from the Special Security Force (SSF), President Guard Regiment (PGR) and other law enforcement agencies.

Police and other law enforcement agencies will also ensure his security, the minister said.

When his attention was drawn to a statement by an opposition leader that the government would not last more than a week, Salahuddin said, "Let's wait and see what happens after a week. He is not qualified to comment on everything."

Asked about progress in bringing back former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, the Home Minister said the government was making strong efforts to bring her back and was quickly providing information sought by the relevant foreign authorities.

He said that in the first phase, documents that were requested within 30 days were sent within three days.

Later, the relevant court sought some more information. The government will send the answers within one or two days, he said.

The minister said their Royal Court had also sought some additional information and that the requested information would be sent.

Asked about allegations of the use of sniper rifles and 7.62-calibre bullets during the July-August incidents, Salahuddin said he would speak about the matter later.

Responding to another question about the recovery of a bomb from beneath the Motijheel Metrorail station, the Home Minister said both the Rath Yatra and Ulto Rath events that day ended smoothly.

All law enforcement agencies worked together to prevent any kind of disorder, he said.
The minister said he did not believe the recovered bomb was connected with the events organised by followers of the Sanatan faith.