No Basis to Arrest Former President Sahabuddin, Says Home Minister

Govt Sees No Grounds to Arrest Former President Shahabuddin, Says Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said the government currently sees no legal basis to arrest former President Mohammed Shahabuddin, adding that he will continue to receive all privileges and security guaranteed under the law.

Speaking to reporters after a ceremony at the Secretariat honouring police personnel for bravery and outstanding service, Salahuddin said Shahabuddin would receive security from the Special Security Force (SSF) and the President's Guard Regiment (PGR) for six months, while police and other agencies would ensure his protection in accordance with the law.

Responding to calls from various groups for Shahabuddin's arrest, the minister said people are free to express their opinions and hold protests, but the government has not found any allegations warranting legal action.

He said Shahabuddin carried out his constitutional responsibilities throughout his tenure, including during the final phase of the previous government, the interim administration, and the current government, and cooperated with all administrations.

Referring to the constitutional immunity enjoyed by presidents while in office, Salahuddin said any allegations related to matters outside Shahabuddin's official duties would be addressed in accordance with the law.

Commenting on a reported audio clip allegedly involving the former president, the minister said the government had no information to verify its authenticity, adding that media reports alone were insufficient to draw conclusions.

On allegations of politically backed smuggling along the Sylhet border, Salahuddin said no such complaints had reached the government but assured that any credible allegations would be investigated.

Addressing the recovery of an IED-like device near Motijheel metro station on the day of the Hindu community's Ulta Rath Yatra, he said authorities do not believe the incident was linked to the religious event. He credited coordinated efforts by law enforcement and intelligence agencies for ensuring the peaceful observance of the festival and praised the alertness of Ansar personnel who detected the device before it was safely neutralised by a bomb disposal unit. He added that the Ansar members involved would be rewarded.

During the programme, police officers received financial awards and certificates for successfully arresting robbery suspects, recovering stolen property, and returning a lost bag belonging to an expatriate in time for an airport departure.

The home minister said such recognition serves as a lifelong honour, boosting officers' morale and encouraging greater dedication to public service.

On the delay in awarding police medals during this year's Police Week, Salahuddin said the initially prepared list contained errors and irregularities. He said the medals would be presented after a thorough review and verification process.