Bangladesh President Accuses Muhammad Yunus of Constitutional Violations

In a significant revelation, Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has accused former interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus of acting illegally and disregarding the nation's constitution during his tenure from August 2024 to February 2026. This comes following Shahabuddin's recent interview with Bangla daily Kaler Kontho, where he discussed the tumultuous period marked by attempts to undermine his authority.

Shahabuddin, who took office just prior to Yunus’s interim government, described the efforts made by Yunus’s administration to oust him, detailing how he was kept uninformed about critical decisions, including the signing of a trade deal with the United States just weeks before national elections.

The President mentioned a specific incident on October 22, 2024, when a crowd surrounded Bangabhaban, the official residence of the President, demanding his resignation. "That night was terrifying for me," Shahabuddin noted. He claimed that threats to his position came from Yunus-aligned forces who sought to destabilise the constitutional order.

In the interview, Shahabuddin was quoted saying, "The Yunus regime tried to remove me until the very last moment. I received assurance of support from a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), reaffirming their commitment to maintaining constitutional governance."

The BNP, which is now led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has maintained a complicated relationship with the presidency. Shahabuddin has expressed respect for Rahman, describing him as a "very sincere person". His comments reflect a potential desire for cooperative governance as he remarked on the importance of constitutional continuity.

During the period under Yunus’s administration, Shahabuddin faced significant limitations, claiming he was not consulted on any foreign trips that Yunus undertook, which amounted to around 14 or 15 visits. He elaborated that the chief adviser had a constitutional obligation to inform him about decisions taken abroad, which Yunus allegedly neglected.

Furthermore, Shahabuddin explained that he was blocked from travelling on two occasions: once for an invitation to Kosovo and another to Qatar, where he was informed through a letter that he was "busy" and thus could not attend. He speculated that Yunus's intention was to prevent him from receiving any recognition or support from the public.

Addressing the trade deal signed with the United States, which included a non-disclosure agreement, Shahabuddin stated, "I should have been briefed when the deal was signed. Such agreements require the President’s knowledge, according to constitutional mandates. But Yunus did not do that."

The President concluded that despite these challenges, he enjoys support from the military leaders who assured him of their backing, expressing their unwavering commitment to constitutional governance. According to Shahabuddin, his presidency, which runs until April 2028, will continue as long as he receives support from the sitting Prime Minister and his cabinet.

This interview underscores the tensions and conflicts of authority within Bangladesh's political landscape, particularly regarding the actions of the past interim administration and its implications for current governance.