Shahabuddin cannot escape responsibility for the massacre: opposition leader
Opposition Leader speaks at a press conference. Photo: Screengrab from video
Former President Md. Shahabuddin cannot escape responsibility for the 2024 massacre, Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said.
He said that although delayed, the resignation of President Md. Shahabuddin Chuppu has finally lifted the dark shadow of autocracy from the nation.
He made the remarks at a press conference held at 6:30 pm Friday at the official residence of the Opposition Leader on Minto Road in the capital. The press conference was organized to react to the president’s resignation.
At the press conference, the Jamaat ameer said, “The Speaker of the National Parliament has assumed the responsibility as Acting President. We congratulate him. We hope he will carry out his responsibilities impartially.”
Replying to a question from journalists on whether a case would be filed against former President Md. Shahabuddin, the Jamaat ameer said, “Anyone who is aggrieved may file a case. Because no one is above the law.”
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, “One of the key demands of the mass uprising was that Shahabuddin Chuppu should not remain in the office of president. At one point, he clearly said that Sheikh Hasina had submitted her resignation letter to him. Later, he denied that statement and lied, which was a violation of the oath he took as president. Although delayed, the shadow left behind by fascism has finally been lifted from the nation’s shoulders.”
Asked whether the former president could escape responsibility for the July massacre, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, “The massacre took place while he was serving as president. But he did not say anything against it. Rather, he played the role of a silent collaborator in the massacre. He cannot escape responsibility for it.”
