Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam has called for the removal and arrest of President Md Shahabuddin, saying the head of state has “no moral right” to remain in office or address parliament.
He made the remarks while taking part in the discussion on the motion of thanks to the president’s speech on the 25th day of the first session of the 13th National Parliament on Thursday. The session was presided over by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal.
Nahid said: “We have rejected the president’s speech. This president needs to be removed and arrested. He has no right to stay in Bangabhaban or come here and speak.”
He also raised allegations regarding the president’s past role, claiming that during his tenure as an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) commissioner, he was tasked with ensuring punishment in cases against Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, while giving a “clean chit” to the Awami League over Padma Bridge corruption allegations and withdrawing cases against Sheikh Hasina and other party leaders.
Nahid further alleged that the president was involved in financial irregularities and had a role during the July violence, adding: “It is unfortunate that such a person is still serving as president.”
He described the president as “corrupt” and “unfit” for the position.
Remarks on political divisions
During the same discussion, Nahid said political divisions in the country remain unresolved, noting that the BNP had long maintained political ties with Jamaat-e-Islami.
He criticised the tendency to brand political opponents, saying: “If you are with us, you are a partner; if not, you are labelled an extremist.”
Nahid said it was the responsibility of major political parties to address such divisions, adding that more than five decades after independence, persistent divisions over the Liberation War narrative in parliament were undesirable.
“There is no scope for debate over the Liberation War as the foundation of the state. However, issues such as corruption and authoritarianism carried out in its name cannot be ignored,” he said.
He added that the July uprising represented a continuation of the spirit of the Liberation War and called for unity, urging political actors to avoid divisive politics and work collectively in the national interest.