AL allies welcome the nomination

GBNEWS24DESK//

Leaders of the ruling Awami League and its alliance have expressed satisfaction over the nomination of Md Shahabuddin as the next president of the country while the BNP termed the election process “illegal”.

Welcoming AL President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s decision, they said the premier once again proved her wisdom and farsightedness by nominating Shahabuddin, a member of AL Advisory Council.

AL Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif said the nomination was perfect and time-befitting. They said he is versatile. He worked in the judiciary and Anti-Corruption Commission, took part in the Liberation War, and was also involved in student politics.

“His nomination as president is well-judged and proper as he has commitment towards the country and its people,” Hanif said.

Amir Khashru Mahmud Chowdhury, a member of BNP Standing Committee, said, “We have no interest in the president as the present government has no relation with the people.”

“This is an unelected parliament and illegal government. They are making prime ministers, ministers and MPs as per their wish. And in continuation of the process, they have now made someone president. No interest in the process was seen from the people … ,” he told The Daily Star.

The Jatiya Party, main opposition in parliament and also a partner in the ruling AL-led 14-party combine, welcomed the nomination and hoped that the next president will lead the country neutrally in line with the constitution and will treat everyone neutrally irrespective of their political affiliations and identities.

JP Chairman GM Quader told this newspaper, “He [Shahabuddin] is a like-minded person. I hope that he will be able to discharge his duties with success.”

Quader, also deputy leader of the opposition in parliament, said, “I hope he will treat everyone equally irrespective of identity and post. I hope we will get cooperation from the new president and he will stand by us in our need.”

In his reaction, Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon said, “I hope he [Shahabuddin] will uphold the dignity and honour of the president post and will discharge his duties impartially and in line with the constitution. We wish him good luck.”