Call for change: Massive protests erupt outside Bangabhaban demanding President Shahabuddin‍‍`s resignation

Demonstrations are currently underway outside Bangabhaban, led by various organizations advocating for the resignation of President Mohammad Shahabuddin. In response, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has increased security in the area, deploying a significant number of officers along with armored personnel carriers and water cannons.

Protesters from the Independence Sovereignty Protection Committee are gathered near the entrance, delivering speeches and rallying for change. Concurrently, a separate group of around fifty individuals is also protesting under the banner of "Raktim July-2024," calling for the President‍‍`s resignation.

Reports indicate that the Independence Sovereignty Protection Committee commenced a march from Dhaka University’s Raju Sculpture at noon on Tuesday (October 22), making their way toward Bangabhaban. 

They managed to push through police barricades in the High Court area before being halted at the Bangabhaban entrance, where they began their protest.

During the university protests, the committee outlined four key demands, including the removal of what they describe as an "illegal President" allied with fascism; the abolition of the constitution; the establishment of a revolutionary national government; and the prohibition of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and the 14-party alliance.

Notably, following widespread protests on August 5, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country amid student-led pressures. 

In a national address, President Shahabuddin stated, "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has submitted her resignation, which I have accepted." 

However, in a recent interview with Matiur Rahman, editor of Manabzamin newspaper, the President acknowledged hearing of the resignation but indicated he had not received any formal documentation. 

He remarked, "Despite numerous attempts to obtain the resignation letter, I have been unsuccessful. She may not have had the time."

These remarks have further fueled discontent among protesters seeking a change in government. 

Additionally, the President‍‍`s statements have caused unrest within the interim government, provoking criticism from several advisors. 

Legal advisor Asif Nazrul described the President‍‍`s comments as "falsehoods."

In light of these developments, a statement from Bangabhaban has called for President Shahabuddin to avoid generating further controversy surrounding the former Prime Minister‍‍`s resignation, urging all parties to refrain from actions that could destabilize or embarrass the interim government.