Political Rift Deepens
President Mohammed Shahabuddin has publicly accused Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus of violating constitutional norms, sidelining the presidency and attempting to create what he described as a “constitutional vacuum” during the tenure of the interim government.
In interviews published across several Bangladeshi media outlets, Shahabuddin alleged that Yunus repeatedly bypassed mandatory constitutional procedures, particularly in relation to foreign policy decisions and executive actions.
“He tried to keep me completely in the dark,” the President said, accusing Yunus of systematically excluding him from state affairs.
The remarks mark one of the sharpest public confrontations between the presidency and a head of government in Bangladesh’s recent political history.
Foreign Trips Dispute
At the centre of the dispute is the President’s claim that Yunus undertook between 14 and 15 foreign visits without informing him either before departure or after returning.
“Dr Yunus did not brief me about his abroad tours,” Shahabuddin said. “He went on 14 to 15 foreign trips but did not inform the President about the visits or their outcomes.”
Under Bangladesh’s Constitution, the President serves as the head of state, while executive authority is exercised by the prime minister or chief adviser. Although the presidency is largely ceremonial, constitutional practice requires that the head of government inform the President about major diplomatic engagements and agreements.
Shahabuddin said this procedure was not followed.
“I was not aware of the pre-election deal with the US President,” he said, referring to a bilateral understanding that he claimed came to his attention through media reports rather than official briefings.
The President alleged that he was neither consulted nor informed in writing about significant foreign agreements concluded during the interim administration.
Allegations of Constitutional Vacuum
Beyond the issue of foreign travel, Shahabuddin accused the Yunus-led government of weakening institutional checks and balances.
“There was a constitutional vacuum,” he said, adding that certain ordinances were issued without sufficient necessity or justification.
“Unnecessary ordinances were promulgated,” he stated, suggesting that executive authority was expanded beyond established norms.
The interim administration took office following widespread unrest and political upheaval in 2024. It defended its actions at the time as necessary to stabilise governance and oversee reforms. Shahabuddin, however, argued that even during crises, constitutional procedures must remain intact.
“The Constitution must be upheld in all circumstances,” he said.
Claims of Overthrow Plots
The President also made serious allegations of attempts to remove him from office through unconstitutional means.
“There were multiple plots to overthrow me,” Shahabuddin said.
According to his account, individuals within the administration explored replacing him by approaching a former chief justice regarding the presidency. The proposal, he claimed, did not materialise because it lacked constitutional basis.
He described the period as one of intense institutional strain and said efforts were made to sideline or pressure him into resignation.
“These were attempts to destabilise the constitutional order,” he said.
No formal legal proceedings have been announced in connection with these allegations. Yunus has not publicly responded in detail to the President’s specific claims.
Palace Security Incident
Shahabuddin also referred to a tense episode in October 2024 when protesters gathered outside Bangabhaban, the presidential residence in Dhaka.
“A mob surrounded Bangabhaban. It was terrifying,” he said.
He added that members of the armed forces were deployed to ensure security and that senior military officials reassured him of their commitment to constitutional continuity.
“The chiefs of the three services stood by the Constitution,” he said.
Bangladesh has a history of political instability and military intervention, making the armed forces’ position during periods of unrest particularly significant.
Diplomatic Engagement Blocked
The President further alleged that his own foreign visits were obstructed.
He cited invitations from Kosovo and Qatar that were either cancelled or delayed.
“In one instance, a letter was drafted to stop my visit,” he said, adding that he refused to endorse the move.
Shahabuddin also claimed that traditional diplomatic protocol was altered during the interim government’s tenure.
“My photographs were removed from missions abroad overnight,” he said, describing the action as unprecedented.
While largely symbolic, the presence of the President’s portrait in embassies represents the head of state in foreign jurisdictions. The alleged removal, he suggested, reflected deliberate marginalisation.
Communication Curtailed
Another grievance raised by Shahabuddin concerned restrictions on his ability to communicate publicly.
“I could not give any press release,” he said, alleging that the presidential press wing was dismantled.
He added that he faced limitations even in issuing routine statements. “I was kept confined to Bangabhaban,” he said.
The interim government has not publicly commented on these specific claims. Supporters of Yunus have previously argued that the administration focused on urgent reforms and stabilisation measures amid exceptional circumstances.
Political Context
Muhammad Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, assumed leadership of the interim administration during a volatile period in Bangladesh’s politics.
His appointment followed mass protests and the departure of the previous elected government. The interim government was tasked with restoring order, implementing reforms and preparing for national elections.
Shahabuddin’s comments come after the completion of that transition period and amid renewed political debate over the scope of executive authority.
The President acknowledged that he received support during the crisis from opposition figures and senior military officials, though he did not elaborate on specific political alignments.
Legal and Institutional Questions
Constitutional experts note that while Bangladesh operates under a parliamentary system, the President retains defined responsibilities that require consultation and communication from the executive branch.
If established, sustained failure to brief the President on international agreements could raise questions about procedural compliance. However, legal analysts caution that much depends on interpretation of constitutional convention rather than explicit statutory language.
The dispute highlights broader questions about the balance of power between ceremonial and executive offices during transitional periods.
What Comes Next
It remains unclear whether Shahabuddin’s allegations will lead to formal investigation or judicial review. His remarks, however, have already intensified debate over governance standards during the interim administration.
“This was not about personal grievance,” the President said. “It was about protecting the Constitution.”
Bangladesh’s political system has faced repeated tests over the past decades. The latest confrontation between the presidency and the former interim leadership underscores continuing tensions over authority, accountability and institutional respect.
Whether the episode results in legal scrutiny or political reconciliation, it has placed constitutional procedure at the centre of national discourse.
