Complaints Filed Against Former Bangladesh Presidents Shahabuddin, Hamid Before ICT

Dhaka: Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has received complaints against former President Mohammed Shahabuddin, just two days after he stepped down from office. Separate petitions were submitted on Sunday by the Bangladesh Azadi Party and the Rashtra Sanglap Forum, while the Azadi Party also filed a complaint against another former President, M. Abdul Hamid.

Speaking to reporters after filing the complaints, Bangladesh Azadi Party Convener Hasinur Rahman alleged that both former presidents remained silent during the violence linked to the 2024 protests. He claimed their silence amounted to tacit approval of the alleged crimes committed during that period.

In its petition, the Rashtra Sanglap Forum described Shahabuddin as a close associate of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and sought an investigation into his alleged role in the violence surrounding the 2024 protests.

ICT Chief Prosecutor Md. Aminul Islam confirmed that his office had received two complaints—one from the Bangladesh Azadi Party and another from the Rashtra Sanglap Forum. He said the complaints would soon be forwarded to the tribunal's Investigation Agency for further action.

The development comes as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government continues its crackdown on leaders and individuals associated with the Awami League.

Shahabuddin resigned from the presidency last week after Parliament Speaker formally accepted his resignation. He had assumed office in April 2023 and was the only senior constitutional office-holder to remain in position following the July 2024 protests that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. Although his term was scheduled to continue until April 2028, he stepped down nearly two years early.

In a brief statement to local media, Shahabuddin cited health issues as the reason for his resignation.

"I am suffering from various health complications. I have nothing more to add at this moment," he said.

According to media reports, Shahabuddin's resignation followed reports that he held a telephone conversation with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina while receiving medical treatment in London in May this year. Intelligence agencies reportedly became aware of the conversation, after which he was allegedly asked to resign.

However, a senior BNP leader suggested that the reported phone call was not the only factor behind Shahabuddin's departure, describing the circumstances as "more complex."

Since the ouster of the Awami League government during the 2024 protests, Shahabuddin's continuation as President had remained a subject of intense political debate in Bangladesh.

With inputs from IANS