President Mohammed Shahabuddin claims he has heard that Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position as prime minister, but he has not seen any supporting documentation. “I made numerous unsuccessful attempts to obtain the resignation letter. Perhaps she did not have enough time,” he continued. Upon meeting with Manab Zamin Chief Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, who enquired about the resignation letter of the outgoing prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, the president made these remarks. Yesterday’s edition of the daily’s political magazine, “Janatar Chokh,” had the article that summarises the debate. On August 5, Hasina departed the nation in response to a widespread rebellion spearheaded by students. The prime minister’s position will become vacant in accordance with Section 57(a) of the constitution if the prime minister resigns at any moment and gives the president a letter of resignation. “The honourable prime minister will visit the Bangabhaban to call on His Excellency the President,” the president stated during the conversation, having received a call from the prime minister’s residence at 10:30 a.m. on August 5. The Bangabhaban immediately started making preparations. However, Hasina’s resignation was announced in another call that followed shortly after.” He stated that he had heard about disturbances everywhere. “I’m not sure [what will happen] at this point. I am unable to rely solely on hearsay. I thus instructed General Adil, the Military Secretary, to investigate [what is occurring]. Nor did he have any news. Even the television scrolling showed us that we were waiting. There was no news anywhere. I once heard that she had departed the nation. She withheld nothing from me. I have stated to you, [interviewer], whatever is accurate. I tried to find out if the prime minister had resigned, though, when Army Chief General Waker visited the Bangabhaban. The exact response he gave me was: “I heard she resigned.” She might not have had time to inform us.” “One day, once things were under control, the cabinet secretary came to pick up the copy of the resignation letter,” Shahabuddin added. I told him that I was searching for it as well.” During the talk with Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, the president stated, “This matter is beyond argument at this point. The fact is that the prime minister has departed. Even so, I requested the Supreme Court’s view on the subject to make sure this question never comes up again.” On August 8, the appellate division of the Supreme Court, presided over by Chief Justice Obaidul Hasan at the time, provided a response to the reference he had sent. It stated that in order to fill the constitutional void and guarantee the executive branch’s effective functioning, an interim government may be established. The president may also appoint the interim government’s top adviser and other advisers.
Source: The Daily Star
