Dhaka: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday stated that the government currently finds no grounds to take legal action against former President Mohammed Shahabuddin. He assured that Shahabuddin would receive all the legal privileges and security he is entitled to under the law. The minister made these remarks to reporters following a program at the Secretariat, where awards and honors were distributed to police members for their bravery and commendable services.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized, “There is nothing that we see as grounds for arresting the former president. He will get all the facilities he is entitled to under the law. He will also receive security.” The minister further detailed that Shahabuddin would receive security from the Special Security Force (SSF) and Presidential Guard Regiment (PGR) for six months, and police along with other agencies would ensure his security as per the law.
Addressing ongoing demands for Shahabuddin’s arrest by various groups, the minister acknowledged the public’s right to express their views and stage protests. However, he noted, “We have not found any statement there that requires our consideration.”
The home minister praised Shahabuddin for performing his duties as president in compliance with the Constitution throughout his tenure. “He carried out constitutional responsibilities during the final period of the authoritarian government, the interim government, and the current government. We received his cooperation,” Salahuddin stated.
He also highlighted the constitutional immunity that Shahabuddin enjoyed while in office, emphasizing that any allegations regarding periods outside his official responsibilities would be addressed according to the law.
Regarding a reported audio clip of an alleged phone conversation involving Shahabuddin, Salahuddin remarked, “We have seen it in newspapers. We do not have any such information.” He dismissed the notion that someone would need to travel to London for such communication in today’s digital age.
On allegations of smuggling along the Sylhet border under political patronage, Salahuddin said he had no information on the matter, but assured that any complaints received would be investigated.
The minister also addressed the recovery of an IED-like device near the Motijheel metro station on the day of the Hindu community’s Ulta Rath Yatra. He stated that the government is not viewing the incident as having any religious motive. He credited the alertness of Ansar members for detecting the device, which was later neutralized by a bomb disposal unit.
In the program, police members were awarded financial rewards and certificates for their efforts in arresting robbery suspects, recovering stolen goods, and ensuring a lost bag of an expatriate reached the airport in time. Salahuddin emphasized that such recognition would serve as a lifelong achievement for the officers, encouraging them to continue their public service.
When questioned about the absence of police medals during this year’s Police Week, the minister explained that irregularities were found during the review of the hastily prepared list. “After verification, some errors were detected and in one or two cases, irregularities were also found. The medals will be awarded after proper scrutiny and refinement of the list,” he concluded.