NCP demands arrest, trial of Shahabuddin

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has demanded the immediate arrest and trial of former president Mohammed Shahabuddin following his resignation from office.

The demand was made by NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen at a press conference held at the party's temporary central office today (24 July).

"We demand that Shahabuddin be arrested immediately and brought to justice," Akhter said.

Referring to Shahabuddin's resignation letter, he alleged that the narrative presented in it was irrelevant and could create an opportunity for the former president to secure a "safe exit."

"Although he cited illness as the reason for his resignation, the way he framed the narrative in his resignation letter could create a safe exit for him. There is no justification for granting Shahabuddin a safe exit. He must be brought to justice for the crimes he has committed," he said.

Akhter further alleged that Shahabuddin was "an accomplice of fascism" and argued that failing to prosecute him would leave justice incomplete for those who lost their lives during the July uprising of 2024.

"If a fascist and an accomplice of fascism like Shahabuddin is not brought to justice, the justice sought for those who sacrificed their lives in the 2024 uprising will remain incomplete," he said.

He claimed that no legal action could previously be taken against Shahabuddin because he held the office of the president and enjoyed constitutional immunity.

"Now that Shahabuddin has resigned, there is no scope for legal indemnity or exemption from liability. The government must immediately take steps to arrest him and bring him to justice," Akhter added.

Referring to the mass uprising, Akhter alleged that killings took place while Shahabuddin was serving as president and claimed that he had failed to take steps to stop them.

He further alleged that Shahabuddin had supported former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in the acts of mass killings and crimes against humanity.