No separate Bangladesh Bank investigation into outgoing president

Bangladesh Bank will not open a separate investigation into former President Md Shahabuddin. 

The central bank’s spokesman and executive director, Arif Hossain Khan, told reporters on Sunday that Shahabuddin had held the country’s highest constitutional office and there was therefore no plan for an inquiry aimed specifically at him. 

He added that institutional investigations already under way to improve governance in the banking sector would lead to action under existing laws if evidence of irregularities by any individual or institution emerged.

Several opposition parties, including the NCP, have called for the former president’s immediate arrest. 

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Sunday afternoon that the government had so far seen no material that required action. 

Speaking at the Home Ministry, he noted that critics were entitled to freedom of speech and protest in the post-uprising period, but their allegations did not provide grounds for official measures. 

The Constitution grants the president special privileges and immunity from criminal proceedings while in office, and protection and security continue for a period after departure. 

The minister said Shahabuddin had performed his duties in accordance with the Constitution and rules, and the government had received his co-operation.

Md Shahabuddin was elected by the National Parliament during the government of Sheikh Hasina, which was ousted in the 2024 student-led mass uprising, and served for three years and three months.