President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Wednesday invited BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to attend a reception at his official residence Bangabhaban, marking the 54th Victory Day on Monday. Military Secretary to the President, Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury, handed over the invitation cards to BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Chinese envoy meets BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia The President traditionally hosts a reception at Bangabhaban on December 16 to celebrate the country's great Victory Day. The nation will celebrate the 54th Victory Day on Monday amid festivities, paying tribute to the three million martyrs and freedom fighters of the Liberation War.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has urged the people to refrain from creating any further controversy surrounding the resignation of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. This appeal comes in light of a media campaign quoting the President, which has resulted in widespread confusion among citizens regarding the circumstances of Hasina's departure, according to a press release of the President’s Press Wing on Monday . The President clarified that all pertinent questions related to the resignation and departure from the country—prompted by a student-people led revolution—were thoroughly addressed in Special Reference No. 01/2024, as outlined in the Honourable Supreme Court's Appellate Division ruling on August 8, 2024. President urges all regardless of religions, castes to work for prosperous Bangladesh The ruling also examined the dissolution of Parliament and the constitutional legitimacy of the current interim government. According to Article 106 of the Constitution, the President sought the Supreme Court's opinion on these matters, which was duly provided by the Appellate Division. In light of these developments, President Shahabuddin has called on all parties to respect the resolution of this matter and to avoid actions that could destabilise or embarrass the interim government. This call for unity aims to foster stability during a crucial period in the nation's political landscape. The issue came to light again after in a recent interview with Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, editor of The Daily Manab Zamin, President Mohammed Shahabuddin mentioned that he heard Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position as Prime Minister; however, he has no documentary evidence to confirm this, including any resignation letter. He stated, "I have failed to obtain the resignation letter despite numerous attempts. Perhaps she did not get the time." This conversation was published in the newspaper's political magazine, “Janatar Chokh,” on Sunday. Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in India on August 5 amid an unprecedented mass uprising.

Non-Resident High Commissioner of Ghana to Bangladesh Kwaku Asomah Cheremeh has paid a farewell call-on to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the Bangabhaban.  The meeting, held on Tuesday, signified the end of Cheremeh’s three-year term as High Commissioner for Bangladesh, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. President Shahabuddin expressed sincere appreciation for the high commissioner’s endeavors in nurturing robust and friendly ties between Bangladesh and Ghana.  Dhaka keen to enhance bilateral cooperation with Tripoli He recognized the positive development of the relationship between the two countries during High Commissioner Cheremeh’s time in office and highlighted the significance of ongoing cooperation in the shared areas of interest.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday urged all irrespective of castes and religions to work together to make Bangladesh a developed, and prosperous country. “The existing harmony and mutual amity in the society should be kept unhurt to speed up the national progress and prosperity,” said the president while exchanging greetings with the members of Hindu community at a reception at the Bangabhaban on the occasion of Durga Puja. He called upon everyone, regardless of party affiliation, to stand by the victims of the recent floods. Army chief meets President Shahabuddin Mentioning that the basic message of all religions is human welfare, he said, "We are all Bangladeshis. We are connected with each other. There is no place for majority or minority in the country. Religious values ​​should be used for the welfare of the country and people.” Shahabuddin said the pledge of this year's Bijaya Dashami is to build a progressive and peaceful social system for the new generation with mutual sympathy, harmony and human values. Greeting the Hindus on the occasion of Durga Puja, he said Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony.  Later, the president exchanged greetings with the invited guests. Foreign Affairs adviser gives 'sensitive' issue of president's citizenship status a wide berth Leaders of the Hindu community, foreign diplomats and Hindu dignitaries of various professions attended event. Religious Affairs Adviser A F M Khalid Hossain, Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy, Hindu religious leaders and the president's secretaries were present on the occasion.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin, alongside his wife Dr. Rebeka Sultana, participated in the upcoming 12th national parliamentary election by casting their votes through postal ballot today (January 03, 2024). The event took place in the credential hall of Bangabhaban, marking a significant moment as they exercised their voting rights as residents of Pabna. Highlighting the importance of voting, President Shahabuddin emphasized, “Voting is not just a right but a civic duty. By casting our votes, we contribute to the democratic process.” He also encouraged fellow citizens to participate actively in the election, scheduled for January 7. Also read: Jesus Christ was seeker of truth and peace: President Shahabuddin The President's participation through postal ballot, as allowed under Article 27 of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), underscores the inclusivity of the voting process. This method facilitates the participation of several groups, including imprisoned or legally detained individuals, Bangladeshi expatriates, polling officers, and others unable to visit polling centers.

Arshad Adnan Rony, son of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, has expressed his interest in contesting the next national election from Pabna-5 constituency. Rony made the announcement while talking to reporters at his residence in Pabna town on Tuesday (August 29, 2023) night. “I want to inform the people the district that I will seek nomination for Pabna-5 (Sadar) constituency from the Prime Minister, and if she approves, I can work for the people,” Rony said. “After taking charge as the President of Bangladesh, my father is working for the people of Pabna,” he added. Referring to the President, Rony also said, “My father asked me to go to Pabna and work for the people of the district. ‘Please go to Pabna and see whether the people accept you,’ my father told me.” Make investments in Bangladesh: President Shahabuddin urges Italian businesses Referring to his political background, the President’s son said, “I joined Bangladesh Chhatra League when I was a student, and then I joined Jubo League. Sometimes, I was away because of my business. Currently, I am a member of Awami League’s subcommittee for cultural affairs. As I belong to an Awami family and I’m a son of Pabna, I believe I have a place for my claim.” Rony also said that he will try his level best to earn victory for ‘boat’. However, he also said that if he failed to get nomination from Awami League, he will work for whoever the party nominates. Chief Justice calls on President Shahabuddin at Bangabahaban

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday urged the British businesses to invest in Bangladesh, especially in gas and energy  sectors. He made the call while receiving the credentials from new British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke at Bangabhaban. The envoy was ceremonially welcomed at Bangabhaban here this morning. Read more: President Shahabuddin seeks more British investment in Bangladesh's energy sector Welcoming her, the President said, "Britain is a very close friend of Bangladesh. The UK is playing an important role in the economic and technical development of the country." He expressed deep gratitude to the then British Prime Minister Edward Heath and the people of Britain for showing incredible respect to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as he first flew to London after freedom from Pakistani prison in 1972.  “Since then, Bangladesh and the UK started walking together . . . And over time, this relationship has accelerated to various fields, including bilateral and multilateral sectors,” President Sahabuddin added. Read more: Bangladesh will welcome election observers from EU, UK: PM tells outgoing British high commissioner The high commissioner said the UK's partnership with Bangladesh is on a strong foundation at present. Lauding the socio-economic development of Bangladesh, she said her country would always stand by it in its continued development and progress. HC Cooke sought the cooperation of the president in fulfilling her duties. Read more: Sarah Cooke next British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Earlier, on her arrival at Bangabhaban, a smartly turned-out contingent of the horse-mounted President Guard Regiment (PGR) gave the envoy a guard of honour as part of the ceremony. Secretaries concerned to the Bangabhaban were also present during the meeting.  

Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed on Sunday paid a courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Sunday afternoon. President's press secretary Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting. During the meeting, the army chief briefed the President about the overall activities of Bangladesh Army. He highlighted the various steps taken for the development of the army and progress of implementation. Also read: Do something good for all, President tells Buddhist community leaders President Sahabuddin expressed his satisfaction over the activities of the army and said that the development activities of the army will continue in the light of Forces Goal-2030. Mentioning the glory of Bangladesh army, the President hoped that the army would continue its activities for socio-economic development alongside protecting the sovereignty of the country. During the meeting, the army chief also briefed the President about various aspects of his recent visit to India.  

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday paid tributes to the martyred members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces at the Shikha Anirban (flame eternal) at Dhaka Cantonment. The president paid the homage by placing a wreath at the Shikha Anirban at 11.20am. After laying the wreath, he stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the armed forces martyrs, who made supreme sacrifices during the War of Liberation in 1971. A smartly-turned out contingent drawn from Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force presented a guard of honour at that time, while the bugle played the last post. Later, President Shahabuddin, also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, signed the visitors' book there. Also read: Sheikh Hasina ignored all the conspiracies to build Padma Bridge: President Shahabuddin Earlier, Chief of General Staff(CGS) of Bangladesh Army Lieutenant General Ataul Hakim Sarwar Hasan on behalf of Army Chief General SM Shafiudin Ahmed,  Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal and Chief of Air Staff of Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan received the president on his arrival at the Shikha Anirban. The president also paid tributes to Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib and other August 15 martyrs. He placed wreaths at her grave at the Banani Graveyard in the capital this noon and stood in solemn silence for some time. President's wife Dr Rebecca Sultana was also present. They also spread flower petals on the graves of Bangamata and other August 15 martyrs. Besides, they offered fateha and prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs of August 15.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Wednesday said Sheikh Hasina ignored all the conspiracies to build Padma bridge, which is now a symbol of Bangali nation's pride and self-reliance. The President told UNB on his way back to Dhaka after paying tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Raman at Tungipara this afternoon. Shahabuddin said, "The number of conspiracies involved in the construction of this bridge cannot be described in a word." He said that Sheikh Hasina could ignore all those conspiracies because of her honesty, dedication and patriotism, she succeeded in building this bridge. As a former commissioner of the ACC, Shahabuddin played an important role to deal with the so-called corruption conspiracy of the Padma Bridge project. The President said, "Standing at this Padma bridge today on the way from Tungipara to Dhaka, I am observing this charming form of Padma for a very short time and thinking about the contribution of Bangabandhu's daughter, leader Sheikh Hasina." Due to this self-financed Padma Bridge, Shahabuddin said Bangladesh and the Bengali nation are known to the whole world as a self-reliant and dignified nation. He also showed his due respect to the prime minister for her uncompromising and farsighted leadership to finish the mega project. Shahabuddin who took oath on Monday ( April 24) as the 22nd President also recalled the contribution of Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to this end and expressed his sincere thanks to her. Mentioning that the mausoleum site of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara has turned into a holy place with the passage of time, he said "Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was not only the leader of Bengali nation, but also the nationalist leader of all Bengali speaking people across the world," He said that the place where he has been lying has turned into a shrine with the passage of time. Read more: President pays tribute to Bangabandhu at Tungipara Valiant freedom fighter Mohammed Shahabuddin said, "After August 15, 1975 while I was fleeing to escape arrest by the then military dictator, one day I was listening to a programme of the Akashvani Kolkata Radio when Devdulal Bandyopadhyay was the presenter". "Those who killed Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and subsequently they buried him in remote Tungipara area in a very callous and ruthless manner . . . That careless and neglected burial ground will one day become a holy place for the Bengali people across the world," the President quoted Devdulal as saying. The President said Devdulal precisely pointed out about the place as the burial site of the nationalist leader has not only become a holy place for the Bangali nation, but also for the Bengali speaking people across the world.