Mohammed Shahabuddin

This article is about the current President of Bangladesh. For other people, see Mohammad Shahabuddin.

His Excellency
Mohammed Shahabuddin
মোহাম্মদ সাহাবুদ্দিন[a]
Official portrait, 2023
President of Bangladesh
Incumbent
Assumed office
24 April 2023
Prime Minister
Tarique Rahman
Preceded byMohammad Abdul Hamid
Personal details
Born (1949-12-10) 10 December 1949
Pabna, East Bengal, Pakistan
(now Bangladesh)
PartyIndependent
Other political
affiliations		Awami League (1971–2025)
East Pakistan Awami League (1967–1971)
Spouse
​
(m. 1972)​
ChildrenArshad Adnan
Parent(s)Sharfuddin Ansari (father)
Khairunnessa (mother)
Alma mater
Signature
NicknameChuppu[1]
Military service
Allegiance Bangladesh
Branch/serviceMujib Bahini
Battles/warsBangladesh Liberation War

Mohammed Shahabuddin[b] (born 10 December 1949) is a Bangladeshi jurist, civil servant and Bangladesh Awami League politician who has served as the president of Bangladesh since 2023.[2] He was elected unopposed in the 2023 presidential election as the nominee of the then ruling Awami League. Prior to his presidency, Shahabuddin served as a district and sessions judge and a commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission from 2011 to 2016.[3]

Early life and education

Shahabuddin was born on 10 December 1949 in the Jubilee Tank area in Shivrampur of Sadar Upazila of Pabna District in erstwhile East Bengal, Dominion of Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh).[4] His parents were Sharfuddin Ansari and Khairunnessa.[5]

Shahabuddin went to Pabna's Purbatan Gandhi School and later was admitted to Radhanagar Majumdar Academy at fourth grade where he passed SSC examination in 1966.[2] He then passed HSC and bachelor's from Govt. Edward College, Pabna in 1968 and 1972 respectively.[6] He then obtained master's in psychology from the University of Rajshahi in 1974, and then LLB from Shahid Aminuddin Law College in 1975.[2]

Career

Political

Shahabuddin was a student leader of the Awami League during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was the general secretary of the Pabna Edward College unit of the Chhatra League, and president of the Pabna District Chhatra League and Jubo League.[7] He was the Pabna District convenor of the Shadhin Bangla Chhatra Shongram Parishad.[8] He participated in the Liberation War as a freedom fighter. He was the joint secretary of the Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL) of the district unit and publicity secretary of the Awami League district unit. He was imprisoned after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975 for three years.[7]

Professional

Mohammed Shahabuddin worked as a journalist for Daily Banglar Bani from 1980-1982.[9] In 1982, Shahabuddin joined as a Munsef (Assistant Judge) of the Judicial cadre in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS). He was finally promoted to the post of District and Sessions Judge, the highest position of the Bangladesh Judicial Service. He was elected to serve as General Secretary of the Bangladesh Judicial Service Association in 1995 and 1996. Following the 2001 general election, he chaired the judicial inquiry commission investigating crimes—including murder, rape, and looting—allegedly committed by leaders and activists of the BNP-Jamaat alliance.[9] He was a commissioner of Anti-Corruption Commission from 2011 to 2016.[7]

Shahabuddin was appointed by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs to serve as a coordinator in the trial to prosecute the assassins of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He served as Election Commissioner in the 2022 National Council of Bangladesh Awami League.[10]

In February 2023, Shahabuddin resigned from the board of directors of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited after being elected president of Bangladesh, a position he held since 2017.[11]

Presidency

Election

See also: 2023 Bangladeshi presidential election

Shahabuddin was nominated by the Awami League Parliamentary Party as their candidate for President of Bangladesh.[12] On 12 February 2023, he submitted his application to the Chief Election Commissioner and the Presidential Election Officer at the Election Commission for the presidential election, the only candidate to do so.[13] Shahabuddin then held a tête-à-tête with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban.[14] His nomination was welcomed by the opposition Jatiya Party, while the Bangladesh Nationalist Party expressed their disinterest.[15] On 13 February 2023, he was officially elected as the country's 22nd president as he was unopposed. The result was declared by the Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal.[16][17]

Inauguration

Shahabuddin was sworn in as the 22nd President of Bangladesh in a ceremony at the Bangabhaban on 24 April 2023.[18] Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury administered the oath. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique, Sheikh Rehana, cabinet members, and other guests attended the state ceremony. After the swearing-in ceremony, Shahabuddin and outgoing president Mohammad Abdul Hamid officially switched their seats as part of the ceremony of changing the charge of the office. Shahabuddin and Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury signed the oath documents of the office.[19]

Tenure

In December 2023, Shahabuddin vetoed the Labour Bill 2023 which was passed by the Parliament and sent it for reconsideration.[20][21]

Incidents following July Uprising

Shahabuddin with Sheikh Hasina as the Prime Minister in January and Muhammad Yunus as the Chief Adviser in August 2024

On 5 August 2024, the Chief of the Army Staff, General Waker-uz-Zaman announced the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following the Non-cooperation movement (2024).[22][23] President Shahabuddin addressed the nation on 5 August 2024 and stated that Hasina had resigned.[24][25] However he later stated that "he had heard Sheikh Hasina resigned from the post of prime minister, but he had no documentary evidence to support this".[26][27]

He immediately started the process of meeting with political leaders from around the country to discuss the formation of an interim government.[28] He also dissolved the parliament[29] and ordered the release of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from house arrest.[30]

On 6 August 2024, Shahabuddin, as Commander-in-Chief of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, issued a major reshuffle of the Bangladesh Army, which included the demotion or discharging of several Awami League-aligned officers, including Major General Ziaul Ahsan.[31] Nasimul Gani was appointed Secretary of the Public Department of the President's Office.[32]

On 8 August 2024, Shahabuddin swore in Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as Chief Adviser along with members of his interim government at the Bangabhaban.[33] The interim government was dissolved on 17 February 2026 following the swearing-in of the Tarique Ministry. During its tenure, the interim administration promulgated a total of 133 ordinances which were approved and signed by president Shahabuddin. Of these, 17 were issued in 2024, 80 in 2025, and 36 between January and February 2026. One order titled the July National Charter (Constitution Reform) Implementation Order, 2025 was also issued following consensus among the political parties in Bangladesh.[34]

On 10 August 2024, following the resignation of Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan, President Shahabuddin appointed Syed Refaat Ahmed as Chief Justice.[35] After the interim government's tenure, Sahabuddin criticized Muhammad Yunus for repeatedly failing to follow constitutional provisions and praised the Bangladesh Nationalist Party for their support.[36] During the interim government, Shahabuddin claimed he was largely isolated and reportedly faced attempts to remove him.[37]

13th General Election and subsequent Incidents

Main articles: 2026 Bangladeshi general election and 2026 Bangladeshi constitutional referendum

The 13th general election and a constitutional referendum were held on 12 February 2026 in Bangladesh, in which the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by Tarique Rahman, won a landslide victory. Tarique Rahman was elected Prime Minister by the confidence of the majority of Members of Parliament and subsequently formed the government.

Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to the cabinet, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, on 17 February 2026.[38] Nahid Islam, Member of Parliament from Dhaka-11 and Chief Whip of the opposition demanded impeachment and arrest of Shahabuddin, calling him as an associate of the July Massacre.[39]

Opposition leader of the parliament Shafiqur Rahman criticised Mohammed Shahabuddin, stating that he had neither protested nor acted against the killings during the tenure of Sheikh Hasina and had lost credibility by providing misleading statements to the nation, including contradicting his 5 August 2024 claim regarding the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as the Prime Minister.[40] At the first session of the 13th National Parliament, opposition members staged a walkout in protest against President Mohammed Shahabuddin as soon as he began his address.[41]

Foreign Visits

Main article: List of international presidential trips made by Mohammed Shahabuddin

Controversies

Dispute over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation

Following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, Shahabuddin, in a video statement, stated that Hasina had resigned. Later in October 2024, during a conversation with Manab Zamin's chief editor,[42] he stated 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,[43]

This triggered a demand for his resignation.[44] However, Shahabuddin later issued an official statement where he stated that Sheikh Hasina's Resignation is a settled matter and urged all not to create any controversy regarding this.[45]

Walkout of Opposition MPs during Presidential speech

On 12 March, 2026, during the first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafizuddin Ahmed announced that Shahabuddin would be delivering a speech, soon MPs of the 11 Party Alliance began displaying cards and chanting slogans. Speaker Hafizuddin Ahmed then requested the MPs to take their seats and maintain order. Shortly after Shahabuddin begin his speech the Opposition MPs walked out.[46][41][47][48][49]

Shift in political stance

Shahabuddin was a member of the Awami League and admirer of Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He was a critic of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party but following the 2026 General Election and Tarique Rahman's takeover as the Prime Minister Shahabuddin criticised Sheikh Hasina’s Government for the July Massacre and described the regime as facist. He praised former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and former President & Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman.[50]

Personal Life

Since November 1972, Shahabuddin has been married to Rebecca Sultana, a former joint secretary to the government of Bangladesh.[51][52] She also served as the faculty member of Primeasia University[53] and the founding chairperson of Friends for Children Organization.[51] Together they have a son, Arshad Adnan, who produced several Bangladeshi films.[54][55] Adnan was a member of Awami League's subcommittee for cultural affairs in 2023.[56]

Legacy

In his honour, a park built by the Pabna Municipality in 2020 was named "Bir Muktijoddha Mohammad Sahabuddin Chuppu Amusement Park".[57]

See also

References

Footnotes

  1. ^ His name is mentioned as মোঃ সাহাবুদ্দিন in the government gazette (see here), and Bangabhaban website.
  2. ^ Bengali: মোহাম্মদ সাহাবুদ্দিন, romanized: Môhammod Shahabuddin, pronounced in Bengali: [ˈmoɦɑmmod ˈʃɑɦɑbudːin]

Citations

  1. ^ "Shahabuddin Chuppu takes oath as Bangladesh's 22nd president". Al Jazeera. 24 April 2023. Archived from the original on 24 April 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
  2. ^ a b c রাষ্ট্রপতির কার্যালয়. bangabhaban.portal.gov.bd (in Bengali). President Office, Bangabhaban. Archived from the original on 25 September 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  3. ^ "AL nominates Shahabuddin Chuppu for country's next President". The Business Standard. 12 February 2023. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  4. ^ Arafat, Aditya (13 March 2016). অবসরে থাকছেন বদিউজ্জামান, সুপ্রিম কোর্টে ফিরছেন চুপ্পু [Badiuzzaman to go in retirement, Chuppu to return in Supreme Court]. banglanews24.com (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 17 February 2023. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  5. ^ "Profile of Md Shahabuddin Chuppu". Daily Sun. 12 February 2023. Retrieved 13 February 2023.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  6. ^ Sheikh, Emran Hossain (12 February 2023). "কেন রাষ্ট্রপতি পদে আ.লীগের পছন্দ সাহাবুদ্দিন চুপ্পু?" [Why Shahabuddin Chuppu is favourite of A.League for the post of President?]. Bangla Tribune (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  7. ^ a b c "The President". Consulate General of Bangladesh, Sydney. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  8. ^ "Md Shahabuddin elected 22nd president of Bangladesh". The Business Standard. 13 February 2023. Archived from the original on 13 February 2023. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
  9. ^ a b "Who is Mohammed Shahabuddin, the new president of Bangladesh?". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
  10. ^ "Shahabuddin Chuppu becomes president-elect". Dhaka Tribune. 12 February 2023. Retrieved 13 February 2023.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  11. ^ "President-elect Shahabuddin resigns from Islami Bank's board". The Daily Star. 13 February 2023. Archived from the original on 13 February 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  12. ^ "AL nominates Shahabuddin as candidate for Bangladesh president". New Age. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
  13. ^ "Shahabuddin Chuppu set to become next Bangladesh president". The Hindu. Press Trust of India. 12 February 2023. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
  14. ^ "AL-nominated president candidate Shahabuddin calls on PM". Daily Sun. Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha. 12 February 2023. Retrieved 14 February 2023.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  15. ^ "BNP has no interest, JaPa welcomes next president Shahabuddin". Prothom Alo. 12 February 2023. Retrieved 13 February 2023.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  16. ^ সংবাদ বিজ্ঞপ্তি (PDF). ecs.gov.bd (in Bengali). Bangladesh Election Commission. Archived (PDF) from the original on 17 February 2023. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
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  19. ^ "Shahabuddin sworn in as the 22nd president". The Daily Star. UNB. 25 April 2023. Archived from the original on 23 August 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
  20. ^ Karim, Riadul (5 December 2023). "President returns labour amendment bill". Prothom Alo. Archived from the original on 6 December 2023.
  21. ^ Ullah, Niamat (4 March 2024). "President returns the Labour Bill 2023 for reconsideration". The Daily Star. Archived from the original on 7 March 2024. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  22. ^ Gupta, Anant (5 August 2024). "Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigns, army chief says". The Washington Post.
  23. ^ Hasnat, Saif; Martínez, Andrés R. (5 August 2024). "What We Know About the Ouster of Bangladesh's Leader". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 6 August 2024. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
  24. ^ "President for protecting people's lives, properties & state assets". BSS. 6 August 2024. Archived from the original on 5 August 2024.
  25. ^ "Bangladesh parliament to be dissolved, interim govt to be formed soon: President Shahabuddin". United News of India. 6 August 2020.
  26. ^ "President asks not to create controversy on settled issue". Prothom Alo. 21 October 2024. Archived from the original on 27 December 2024.
  27. ^ Alam, Julhas; Pathi, Krutika (5 August 2024). "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigns and leaves Bangladesh, ending 15-year rule". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 5 August 2024. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
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  30. ^ "Bangladesh president orders release of ex-PM Khaleda Zia". Al Jazeera. 5 August 2024. Archived from the original on 7 August 2024. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
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  33. ^ "Yunus sworn in as interim Bangladesh leader". BBC News. 8 August 2024. Archived from the original on 8 August 2024. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  34. ^ "Govt to place 133 ordinances before JS on March 12". www.newagebd.net. Archived from the original on 11 March 2026. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
  35. ^ "Syed Refaat Ahmed appointed as Chief Justice". The Business Standard. 10 August 2024. Archived from the original on 14 August 2024. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
  36. ^ "আমার দুঃসময়ে বিএনপির সহযোগিতা শতভাগ ছিল, ইউনূস সংবিধান মানেননি: রাষ্ট্রপতি সাহাবুদ্দিন চুপ্পু". The Delta Lens. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
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  38. ^ Staff, Al Jazeera. "Tarique Rahman sworn in as new Bangladesh prime minister". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
  39. ^ প্রতিবেদক, নিজস্ব (1 March 2026). "রাষ্ট্রপতিকে অভিশংসন করে গ্রেপ্তারের দাবি জানালেন নাহিদ ইসলাম". Prothomalo (in Bengali). Retrieved 6 March 2026.
  40. ^ "Jamaat ameer cites 3 reasons for walkout during President's speech". Daily Sun. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
  41. ^ a b Banglanews24. "Opposition walks out as president starts speech". banglanews24.com (in Bengali). Retrieved 12 March 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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  51. ^ a b একনজরে রাষ্ট্রপতি প্রার্থী মোহাম্মদ সাহাবুদ্দিন (in Bengali). RTV. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
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  53. ^ "হঠাৎ প্রাইমএশিয়া বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের অনুষ্ঠানে নতুন রাষ্ট্রপতিপত্নী ড. রেবেকা, হলেন প্রধান উপদেষ্টা". Dhakatimes News (in Bengali). 23 March 2023. Archived from the original on 30 May 2023.
  54. ^ "President Shahabuddin attends special screening of 'Priyotoma' at Star Cineplex". The Business Standard. 2 September 2023.
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  57. ^ পাবনায় 'মুক্তিযোদ্ধা মোহাম্মদ সাহাবুদ্দিন চুপ্পু বিনোদন পার্ক' উদ্বোধন. Jugantor (in Bengali). 1 July 2020. Archived from the original on 17 January 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
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