Bangladesh President Alleges Plot to Oust Him

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has alleged constitutional violations and attempts to remove him from office during the interim government period led by former chief adviser Muhammad Yunus.

In an interview with Bangla daily Kaler Kantho, Shahabuddin claimed he was not kept informed about key government matters and described what he termed efforts to destabilise the presidency.

Alleged Constitutional Lapses

The president said that Yunus did not maintain constitutionally mandated communication, including briefing him after foreign visits.

According to Shahabuddin, the chief adviser travelled abroad multiple times but did not submit written reports or meet him upon return, as required under constitutional practice.

He also claimed that two of his planned foreign visits — to Kosovo and Qatar — were blocked during that period.

Alleged Attempt to Remove Him

Referring to political developments after the 2024 mass uprising, Shahabuddin alleged that there was a conspiracy to replace him through unconstitutional means.

He claimed that a proposal was made to bring in a former chief justice as president, but the individual reportedly declined, citing constitutional constraints.

These allegations have not been independently verified, and no formal response from Yunus was included in the reported interview.

October 2024 Protests

The president described October 22, 2024, when protests took place outside Bangabhaban, the presidential residence in Dhaka, as a “terrifying night.”

He alleged that mobs attempted to storm or loot the premises before the situation was brought under control with the deployment of the armed forces.

Shahabuddin further said that leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and military officials supported constitutional continuity during the unrest.

According to him, senior service chiefs reassured him of their backing as supreme commander of the armed forces.

Claims of Institutional Isolation

The president also alleged that his office was deliberately isolated during the interim period.

He said that members of the Bangabhaban press wing were withdrawn following a courtesy meeting with leaders of the Dhaka Reporters Unity.

In addition, he claimed that his photographs and official messages were excluded from state supplements on national days, and that portraits were removed from some Bangladesh missions abroad.

Shahabuddin said he later lodged a written protest with the foreign ministry regarding the alleged removal of his photographs.

Political Context

The remarks come amid ongoing political realignments in Bangladesh following the 2024 unrest and transitional governance period.

While the president has made serious allegations, there has been no official confirmation of a formal investigation into the claims at the time of reporting.

Despite what he described as “humiliating situations,” Shahabuddin said he remained committed to ensuring constitutional continuity.

The developments are likely to add to political debate in Dhaka, as questions around institutional roles and constitutional processes continue to shape the country’s evolving political landscape.