Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said former president Mohammed Shahabuddin's resignation was carried out in accordance with the Constitution and the government sees no grounds for his arrest.
He said Shahabuddin enjoyed constitutional immunity while in office and remains entitled to the security and benefits provided to former presidents under the law.
The minister made the remarks while speaking to reporters after an award ceremony honouring police personnel for bravery and outstanding service.
"The president resigned due to physical reasons. He submitted his resignation to the speaker, who accepted it in accordance with the Constitution. As per constitutional provisions, the speaker is now performing the duties of the president on an interim basis," Salahuddin said.
"The entire process was conducted according to the law."
Responding to criticism and protests by political parties over Shahabuddin's resignation, he said: "In post-uprising Bangladesh, everyone has the freedom to express political opinions and make demands. But we have not seen anything that warrants legal action. The president discharged his responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution and cooperated with the government."
He said the Constitution grants the president immunity for actions taken while in office.
"No criminal case can be filed over actions taken during that period. If there are allegations relating to matters outside his official duties, they will be dealt with under the law," he added.
Asked about an alleged leaked audio recording involving Shahabuddin, the minister said the government had only seen reports in the media.
"If any media outlet has published such information, it is for them to establish its authenticity. We have no information on the matter," he said.
Regarding security arrangements for the former president, Salahuddin said Shahabuddin would receive all benefits provided under the law, including Special Security Force (SSF) and President Guard Regiment (PGR) protection for six months, along with additional security from law enforcement agencies as required.
Recognition and accountability
Speaking at the ceremony, the minister said the government would continue rewarding exemplary performance while ensuring accountability for misconduct.
"Those who perform their duties with courage, honesty and sincerity will be recognised. Those who violate the law or obstruct public services will face action," he said.
He said the ceremony was the third of its kind and reflected the government's efforts to build a people-oriented police force following the July uprising.
"We want a police force that meets the expectations of the people. Positive changes are already visible," he added.
Salahuddin alleged that previous political governments had misused law enforcement agencies to retain power, saying the current administration was promoting professional and service-oriented policing instead.
Police medals under review
Responding to a question about the absence of police medals during Police Week, the minister said irregularities had been found during the review of the proposed recipients.
"The list is being scrutinised and corrected. Police medals will be awarded very soon," he said.
He praised officers who recently risked their lives to arrest a robber and recover stolen property, as well as police who quickly recovered a lost bag belonging to an expatriate and returned it before the passenger's departure.
"These incidents demonstrate the growing public service mindset within the police," he said.
Other issues
On allegations of politically backed smuggling at the border, Salahuddin said he had not received any such complaints but assured that any credible allegations would be investigated.
Commenting on the recovery of a suspicious electronic device beneath a Metro Rail pillar during the Rath Yatra, he said the government viewed the timing as coincidental.
"The device was detected due to the vigilance of an Ansar member and later defused by the Bomb Disposal Unit," he said.
Asked about reports of a former US intelligence official staying at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka, he replied: "I am not supposed to know about that. If you have information, publish it, and we will look into it."
On efforts to extradite former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed from the United Arab Emirates, Salahuddin said Bangladesh had already sent the requested documents and would provide additional information sought by the court within the next couple of days.
Asked about allegations that sniper rifles and 7.62mm ammunition were used during the July-August violence, he said he would comment on the matter in detail at a later time.