Asif Nazrul suggests that advisers might question the president's ability to continue in office if he persists with his statement

Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul has labeled President Mohammed Shahabuddin's statement about receiving the resignation letter from ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the student-people movement as a "lie." He claimed that the president's remarks violate his oath of office.

Nazrul suggested that the advisers of the interim government might need to discuss whether the president has the capacity to remain in his position if he continues to stand by his statement.

Speaking to reporters at his secretariat office on Monday afternoon, Nazrul responded to questions raised following an investigative report by Manabzamin editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury. He stated, "The president said he did not receive Sheikh Hasina's resignation letter. This is a lie and a violation of his oath because on August 5 at 11:20 p.m., in a televised address, with the chiefs of the three services present, the president himself stated that the former prime minister submitted her resignation, and he received it."

The law adviser went on to explain that the president had sought the Supreme Court's Appellate Division's opinion, following section 106 of the constitution. The justices, including the then-chief justice, provided their opinion, confirming that the prime minister had resigned, and the president dissolved parliament. This opinion, according to Nazrul, bears the signatures of all the justices of the Appellate Division.

Nazrul added, "Based on this opinion, the Ministry of Law sent a note to the president’s office, and the president accepted it, forming an interim government."

He emphasized that the president's own actions and statements at the time proved Sheikh Hasina's resignation, and now, two and a half months later, his claim to the contrary not only contradicts his earlier position but also constitutes a violation of his oath. This raises doubts about his ability to continue in office.

Asif Nazrul pointed out that the constitution allows action against a president if they are mentally or physically incapacitated or commit serious misconduct. He said, "If the president continues to insist on this contradiction, the advisory council must consider whether he is fit to remain in office. This is a matter that may be discussed within the council."

When asked if the government had Sheikh Hasina’s resignation letter, Nazrul clarified that it should be in the president’s office, as the president had publicly stated that he received it. He added, "If the president now denies this, it is up to him to explain what happened to the resignation letter."

Nazrul concluded by reiterating that contradicting a previous statement made to the nation amounts to misconduct and raises questions about the president's mental capacity to fulfill his duties. He also noted that the timing of the president's claim, nearly two and a half years later, coincides with the resurgence of the fallen fascist regime, further complicating the situation.