The interim government has concurred with Adviser Asif Nazrul’s statement that President Mohammed Shahabuddin has told lies about not receiving the resignation letter of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“The government also agrees that the President has violated his oath by lying about the letter,” Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir told reporters at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Tuesday.
Responding to a question whether any move would be taken to remove the President, he said, “Currently there is no move to remove the President from his position.”
When asked whether the government would take such move in future, he said, “Future will tell it.”
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul on Monday said, “The President's statement that he did not receive Sheikh Hasina's resignation letter is a lie, and it is a violation of his oath.”
Responding to a question whether it is Asif Nazrul’s personal opinion or the opinion of the entire council of advisers, including the chief adviser, he said, “The government agrees with what the law adviser said.”
President Shahabuddin made some remarks about immediate past Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation in an interview with Manab Zamin Chief Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, that was published in the daily's political magazine ‘Janatar Chokh’ on Sunday.
The article quoted the President as saying that he (Sahabuddin) heard that Hasina had resigned, but did not have any documentary evidence.
“I tried to collect the resignation letter many times but failed. Maybe she did not get the time,” said the President.
In response to the president’s claims, the law adviser on Monday termed the President’s remarks a lie.
He said the president’s comments in this regard was akin to misconduct and if he stuck to his guns, the government should reconsider his position.
Talking to reporters, the law adviser said, “If you contradict something you have said in front of the whole nation, then that is akin to misconduct. Then the question arises if you have the mental capacity to serve as the president. These questions may arise … you have created scope for that.”
Nazrul was referring to the president's address to the nation on August 5, hours after Hasina fled the country in the face of a mass uprising.
