The government may look into allegations against Mohammed Shahabuddin predating his presidency, but actions taken while in office are shielded by constitutional immunity, two ministers said yesterday.

Responding to questions about Shahabuddin’s tenure at the Anti-Corruption Commission and Islami Bank before he became president, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said any allegations from that period would be dealt with under the relevant laws if formal complaints were filed.

Meanwhile, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman said, “Our government will verify everything carefully and take the right decision at the right time ….”

Speaking at a programme in Chittagong, he said the government would give due importance to public demand while ensuring that no one is subjected to injustice.

Addressing reporters at the Secretariat earlier, Salahuddin said the government had found no grounds to act on the allegations against the former president, dismissing accusations raised by opposition parties.

“The constitution requires the president to submit his resignation to the Speaker. He [Shahabuddin] did so, the Speaker accepted it, and temporarily assumed the responsibilities of the president. Everything was done in accordance with the law.

“The opposition, including the National Citizen Party, has raised allegations against him. They have every right to do so. But we have found nothing in those allegations that warrants our consideration.”

The home minister added, “Under the constitution, he enjoys immunity and privileges for actions taken during that period [his time in office], and no criminal case can be filed against him in any court in this regard.”

Asked about media reports that Shahabuddin had spoken to deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina during his visit to London, he said the government had no such information.

On security arrangements, Salahuddin said Shahabuddin would receive all the benefits, privileges and security provided by law.

COMPLAINTS SUBMITTED

Two days after Shahabuddin’s resignation, two complaints were filed with the Office of the Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) yesterday, seeking investigations into the alleged role of the former president in crimes against humanity during the July uprising, which took place while he was in office.

The complaints were filed by Bangladesh Azad Party President Lt Col (retd) Hasinur Rahman and Rastrosonglap Forum Central Member Secretary Al Nur Mohammad Ayash.

Confirming the matter, ICT Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said the complaints would soon be forwarded to the investigation agency.

After submitting the complaints, Hasinur said the recently resigned president supported the then fascist government, provided it with constitutional protection and, as the supreme commander of the armed forces, did not protest the alleged injustices.

In his complaint, Ayash alleged that Shahabuddin, as president, had a role in the killings during the uprising, as well as enforced disappearances, torture and other crimes.

He urged the ICT to investigate whether the former president bore any legal responsibility for those incidents, along with allegations surrounding the 2024 national election and other human rights violations.

Meanwhile, a separate complaint was filed against former president Mohammed Abdul Hamid over enforced disappearances, the BDR Pilkhana killings, the Shapla Chattar crackdown and extrajudicial killings.

DEPARTS BANGABHABAN

Shahabuddin left the Bangabhaban yesterday, a day after resigning as president.

He left with his family at 2:25pm and reached his home on Road 123 in the capital’s Gulshan at 3:00pm under tight security.

The former president’s motorcade left the Bangabhaban with 18 vehicles, including his official car and vehicles from different law enforcement agencies.

Journalists had been waiting outside the Bangabhaban since noon, while people had also gathered there.

Security was increased around the former president’s Gulshan residence. Members of the police, Rab and other law enforcement agencies had been stationed there since morning.

Following Shahabuddin’s departure from the Bangabhaban, acting president Hafiz Uddin Ahmad will begin carrying out official duties there from noon tomorrow.

However, he will continue to live at the official residence assigned to the Speaker of parliament.

On Friday, Shahabuddin resigned as Bangladesh’s president, citing ill health. He took the oath of office on April 24, 2023, after being elected unopposed as the Awami League nominee.

Since then, he has sworn in three governments -- the Awami League government in January 2024, the interim government in August 2024, and, most recently, the BNP government in February 2026.

His five-year term was due to expire in April 2028. However, he resigned before completing it.