Former President of Bangladesh, Mohammed Shahabuddin, will face an investigation regarding alleged corruption, as confirmed by Law Minister Mohammad Asaduzzaman on Sunday. This announcement follows Shahabuddin’s resignation on Friday, where he cited health issues as the reason for stepping down. The timing of his departure aligns with a significant transition in leadership, with Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed designated as Acting President for the next 90 days until a new president is elected.

Shahabuddin, aged 76, had approximately two years remaining in his term when he resigned. Speculation surrounding the circumstances of his resignation suggests that the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government was uneasy with Shahabuddin, who was noted as having a largely ceremonial role and also as a longstanding ally of the ousted prime minister, Sheikh Hasina.

The new Acting President, Ahmed, recently returned to the country after medical treatment abroad to assume his duties. According to official sources, Shahabuddin’s departure from Bangabhaban, the presidential residence, occurred on Sunday when he moved to his private residence in Gulshan, despite regulations permitting him to remain in the palace for an additional 30 days.

Health Issues and Resignation Letter

In his resignation letter addressed to the Speaker, Shahabuddin outlined multiple health afflictions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney problems. He also mentioned a recent diagnosis of Autonomic Neuropathy, stating, “In light of these medical conditions, I am physically and mentally incapable of fulfilling my responsibilities as the president.”

Shahabuddin assumed office on February 13, 2023, following his election by the previous parliament. He is known for his involvement in the 1971 Liberation War and held a position as a lower judiciary judge. Following the intense student-led protests that resulted in the removal of Hasina’s Awami League government in 2024, Shahabuddin remained the only official still occupying a constitutional position. Prime Minister Hasina has resided in India since August 5, 2024.

Shahabuddin’s resignation occurred shortly after Hasina indicated her intention to return to Bangladesh by December, despite ongoing political turbulence. Media reports had suggested that he engaged in communication with the former prime minister, which reportedly unsettled the senior leadership of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). In a recent interview, Shahabuddin described those claims as “baseless.”

Ongoing Investigation and Political Implications

The Law Minister elaborated on the ongoing investigation, indicating that Shahabuddin’s previous roles, including his tenure as a commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission and director at Islami Bank Bangladesh, will be examined as part of the inquiry. He noted that while the government aims to ensure justice, the allegations necessitate thorough scrutiny, and legal actions could follow based on public demand.

Asaduzzaman refrained from confirming whether any travel restrictions had been placed on Shahabuddin, mentioning that such decisions fall under the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry. Inquiries were also made regarding the possibility of Shahabuddin’s arrest, to which Asaduzzaman stated that any demands from political parties would be evaluated for their legal foundations.

With Shahabuddin no longer in his presidential role, Bangladesh continues to navigate through an interim political arrangement. The government is poised to address the corruption allegations associated with his past responsibilities while preparing to elect a new president within the stipulated constitutional timeframe.

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