No grounds to arrest former President Shahabuddin: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that the government has found no legal basis to take action against former President Mohammed Shahabuddin, insisting that the former head of state will continue to receive the protection and privileges guaranteed by law.

Speaking to reporters after a ceremony at the Secretariat on Sunday, where police personnel were recognised for acts of bravery and public service, the minister said, "There is currently no justification for detaining the former president, despite demands from some groups calling for his arrest.”

He also said, “Shahabuddin would receive the legal benefits available to a former president, including security arrangements provided under existing regulations.”

According to the minister, the Special Security Force (SSF) and the President Guard Regiment (PGR) will provide protection for six months, while police and other law enforcement agencies will continue to ensure his security in line with the law.

Addressing public calls for legal action against Shahabuddin, Salahuddin said that citizens are free to express their opinions and to organise peaceful demonstrations.

However, he added that the government had not identified any allegation requiring official intervention at this stage.

The minister also defended Shahabuddin’s role during his presidency, saying he had carried out his constitutional responsibilities throughout his tenure.

He noted that the former president had served during the closing period of the previous administration, through the interim government and into the tenure of the current government, and that the authorities had received his cooperation throughout that period.

Salahuddin reminded reporters that the Constitution granted immunity to a serving president while carrying out official duties.

He said, "Any allegation relating to actions outside those constitutional responsibilities would be considered separately and dealt with according to the law if necessary.”

Asked about a reported audio recording said to feature a telephone conversation involving the former president, the minister mentioned, "The government had no verified information about the matter.”

He added that reports circulating in the media alone were not sufficient evidence and suggested that claims surrounding the alleged conversation should be treated with caution until verified.

On separate allegations that politically backed smuggling was taking place along the Sylhet border, Salahuddin stated that no formal information had reached the ministry.

He further added that authorities would investigate if credible complaints were received.

The minister also commented on the discovery of an improvised explosive device (IED)-like object near the Motijheel metro station on the day of the Hindu community’s Ulta Rath Yatra.

He said investigators did not see any connection between the incident and the religious event.

According to Salahuddin, law enforcement agencies and intelligence organisations had worked closely to ensure that both the Rath Yatra and Ulta Rath Yatra were held peacefully.

He described the discovery of the suspicious device as a coincidence rather than an attack linked to the celebrations.

The home minister praised the alertness of Ansar personnel who first identified the object, which allowed police to secure the area before a bomb disposal team safely neutralised it.

He confirmed that the Ansar members involved would receive official recognition for their actions.

During the ceremony, police officers were honoured with financial rewards and certificates for successfully arresting robbery suspects, recovering stolen property and returning a lost bag belonging to a Bangladeshi expatriate in time for an international flight.

Salahuddin said again, "Recognising such achievements encourages professionalism within the police service and strengthens public confidence, while also bringing lasting pride to the officers and their families.”

Responding to questions about the absence of police medals during this year’s Police Week, the minister said, "The government had identified mistakes while reviewing the proposed list of recipients.”

He explained that the list had been prepared in haste and that further checks uncovered errors and a small number of irregularities. The medals, he said, would be presented once the review process had been completed and the list had been properly verified.