No, for now it is not possible to remove the President of Bangladesh Mohammad Sahabuddin – despite the continuous protests and agitations for the last two days, the student-janata group has come back to understand the point. Sahabuddin got involved in the controversy by commenting that he had not received any documentary evidence of Sheikh Hasina's resignation. But seeing that he could not be removed on this 'falsehood' issue now, the officials of the interim government took the approach of suspending the matter for the time being. However, there are reports from multiple sources that they are planning to keep the issue alive and implement it on time. According to the sources, there was a difference of opinion between the interim government and their supporting political groups over the removal of the President. One group wanted to remove the President after assuming the duties of the interim government on August 8, but it was not possible as the other group brought forward the issue of preserving the continuity of the constitution. But as the President himself made controversial comments, a part of the interim government again became active in exploiting that 'opportunity'. As a result, the removal of the President was at the center of discussion throughout the country on Wednesday.
The anti-discrimination student movement has already taken a strong stance on Sahabuddin's resignation. Inkilab Manch, Raktim Juli, Anti-Fascist Chhatra-Janata Manch and several of their like-minded organizations blocked the road to Banga Bhavan and protested till late night on Tuesday. According to sources, the students have given the president till Thursday to resign.
In this regard, information adviser Nahid Islam said in the secretariat on Wednesday, “The presence or absence of the president is not a constitutional issue, now it is a political issue.” According to him, a decision in this regard will be reached on the basis of political consensus and national consensus. In such a situation, the survival of Sahabuddin in the presidency may become 'difficult', political analysts think. However, there is only one place to trust. And that is – BNP, one of the main political forces of the country, does not want the president to be removed now.
After a 12-hour continuous protest on Tuesday demanding the President's resignation, the situation was still in front of the Banga Bhavan. Since the morning, the presence of the students was not seen, but the deployed forces maintained strictness. Four layers of tight security fences were installed on the road in front of Banga Bhavan to avoid any untoward situation. There were also three layers of barbed wire fencing.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said that 25 policemen were injured in a clash with protesters in front of Banga Bhavan on Tuesday demanding the President's resignation.
DMP Motijheel Division Deputy Commissioner Shahriar Ali said that the agitation of the protesters in front of Bangabhaban started mainly after evening. When they tried to break the barricade and enter inside, the police tried to move them by throwing batons and sound grenades. At least three protesters were injured. However, Dhaka Medical College Hospital said that their injuries were not 'serious'. Later the protesters attacked the police. They threw stones at a police vehicle. He was also seen hitting the police with a stick after getting into the car. Late at night, when a group of protesters tried to enter the Banga Bhavan by announcing on the microphone, they clashed with the police again.
Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam also said that no decision has been taken regarding the President's resignation even though the situation is at a standstill. He said, 'There is a weekly meeting of the advisory council on Thursday. If there is any development in this regard will be informed later.'
However, senior lawyer Shahdeen Malik thinks that the resignation or removal of the President is not possible according to the constitution. In his words, 'Parliament can remove the President. But it has already been cancelled. Again, there is no chance for him to resign. Because of that, it is not possible to remove him according to the constitution and law. However, he also commented that the way the state is being run after the departure of the Awami League government, the 'question of rules or constitution' has become irrelevant.
