President Md. Shahabuddin has said that if the ruling BNP wants him to continue fulfilling his duties, he will stay; but if the BNP does not want him, he will step down “honorably.” He made this remark in an interview with Daily Kaler Kantho at Bangabhaban on Friday night. The first part of the interview was published yesterday, and the final part came out today.
When asked about his previous comments regarding a possible change of president and reports in foreign media suggesting he does not want to remain in office after the election, he said: “This statement is being interpreted differently. It should be understood in the context in which I said it. Over the past 18 months, the [caretaker] government put me under mental pressure and insulted me in various ways, which caused me some frustration. At that time, I said that one cannot remain president under such conditions and that I wanted to leave. That is what I told Reuters. Later, however, it was presented as if my term was over.
When I was asked, ‘If a new election happens and a new government comes, what will your position be?’ I said that constitutionally I am elected for five years, and my term continues until 2028—so I have another two years left. But I also said that if an elected government comes and their intention is that it’s better I do not stay, then I am willing to step down voluntarily. I love to go. That is, if they wish it, I will leave on my own accord.”
