2024 Bangladesh Presidential resignation protests

The 2024 Bangladesh Presidential resignation protests are an ongoing protest demanding President Mohammed Shahabuddin's resignation stem from his controversial remarks following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Protesters accuse Shahabuddin of siding with authoritarian forces, fueling dissatisfaction among students and civil society groups.

2024 Bangladesh Presidential resignation protests
Part of aftermath of the Student-People's uprising
Date	22 October 2024–present
Location	Bangladesh
Goals	Resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin
Methods	Public demonstration
Status	Ongoing
Parties
Anti-discrimination Students Movement President of Bangladesh
Lead figures
Collective leadership Mohammed Shahabuddin
Casualties
Injuries	30

This movement, initiated by student-led organizations, has intensified due to widespread frustration with political corruption, government mismanagement, and a perceived erosion of democracy under the Awami League's rule. Calls for constitutional reform and the president's removal have become central to the protests.

Background

On August 6, 2024, in response to a national uprising, President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the 12th Jatiya Sangsad and announced the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Subsequently, after consultations with political parties, military representatives, and protest leaders, he declared the formation of an interim government. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took oath on 8 August, 2024, under the observation of the President and Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan.

Later on October, during a conversation with Manab Zamin's Chief Editor, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, the President quoted that,

"I tried [to collect the resignation letter] many times but failed. Maybe she did not get the time. When things came under control, one day the cabinet secretary came to collect the copy of the resignation letter. I told him that I too am looking for it,"

Citing concerns over the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister, and the legality of the interim government as per the existing constitution.

Reaction

Following the remarks, interim government's Adviser for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Asif Nazrul 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."

The Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary, Apurba Jahangir, during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy agreed with Law advisers views and quoted,

"...the government also agrees that by lying about the letter, the president has violated his oath,..."

Asif Mahmud, the Interim Adviser for the Ministries of Youth and Sports and Labor and Employment, posted on Facebook stating, "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had verbally communicated her resignation to the President". He added, while she was initially expected to deliver a formal resignation letter at Bangabhaban, the approach of protesters near Ganabhaban reportedly necessitated her departure from the location. Mahmud questioned the implications of the resignation occurring under these circumstances.

During a roundtable discussion organized by Islami Andolan in Segunbagicha, Sarjis Alam, one of the coordinator of Anti-discrimination Students Movement quoted,

"If a person like President Mohammed Shahabuddin says that he does not have the documents of Sheikh Hasina's resignation, then it will be up to the student community to decide what action should be taken against him."

Another coordinator, Hasnat Abdullah, also posted on social media stating, "Awami League [as a party] should face justice, a new constitution should be written, corrupt Awami bureaucrats should be sacked, all illegal agreements made during Hasina's tenure should be cancelled, and (Sahabuddin) Chuppu should be removed from the post of president immediately."

Nasir Uddin Patwary, convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, also criticised President Shahabuddin, saying, "Chuppu (President) is part of the fascist regime. He has no right to remain as president, and we will not allow any element of this regime to persist after the mass uprising."