Shahabuddin remained in office through understanding with BNP: NCP

National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain alleged that President Md Shahabuddin has been retained in office through ‘internal understanding and negotiations’ between the government and the BNP, claiming that efforts are being made to provide him with a ‘safe exit’.

He made the remarks while addressing a photo exhibition titled ‘Remembering July’ organised by the Islamic University (IU) branch of Student Power on Sunday.

 The exhibition aimed to preserve the memory of the July Uprising and highlight the history of the 2024 movement among the younger generation.

Akhtar Hossain, also an NCP member from Rangpur-4 constituency, criticised the former president’s role and questioned his eligibility to remain in the constitutional position.

“Shahabuddin Chuppu is not only an icon of fascism, he is a looter. He looted banks. He took over Islami Bank and handed it over to S Alam. He built a house abroad and took permanent residency abroad. Such a person is not qualified to hold the post of president,” he said.

Responding to journalists’ questions on whether legal action could be taken against the former president under Article 51 of the Constitution, the NCP leader said the provision was no longer applicable after his departure from office.

“Many are saying that no action can be taken against former President Chuppu under Article 51 of the Constitution. But this is a wrong concept. As long as he was president, Article 51 worked as his protection. But now that he is not president, he must be brought under the law,” he further said.

Drawing a comparison with the removal of former military ruler HM Ershad, Akhtar said, “Ershad was taken to jail just six days after resigning from the post of president.”

The NCP leader also criticised the BNP over its position regarding the referendum verdict, alleging that the party had failed to implement the outcome after assuming power.

“BNP is not respecting the verdict of the referendum after coming to power. According to the verdict of the referendum, BNP members of parliament were supposed to take the oath of office of the Constitutional Reform Council. But instead of doing so, they have taken a stand against the referendum,” he added.
“If BNP does not implement this verdict, the people will decide. We will implement this verdict with the people,” he further added.

The programme was chaired by Student Power Convener Fuad Hasan and moderated by its Member Secretary Iftehar Uddin. Akhtar Hossain attended the event as chief guest.