Shahabuddin: Yunus Ignored Constitution
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Dhaka
- Feb 23, 2026
- 6
Mohammad Shahabuddin has levelled serious allegations against former interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, claiming that the interim administration sought to remove him from office following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024.
In a recent interview, Shahabuddin stated that he administered the oath of office to Yunus on August 8, 2024, after which Yunus functioned as the de facto Prime Minister until February 16, 2026. The President alleged that during this period, the interim government repeatedly undermined his constitutional authority.
According to Shahabuddin, the Yunus administration cancelled two of his scheduled foreign visits. He was first prevented from travelling to Kosovo, and on another occasion, despite receiving an invitation from the Emir of Qatar, the Foreign Ministry reportedly informed the Qatari authorities that the President was unavailable.
The President further claimed that he was not informed about the Bangladesh–United States trade agreement signed just days before the general election. He argued that Yunus was constitutionally obligated to brief the President on such significant agreements but failed to do so. Shahabuddin also accused the interim government of bypassing constitutional procedures, issuing what he described as “unnecessary ordinances,” and failing to notify him of Yunus’s 14–15 foreign trips during his tenure.
Recalling the night of October 22, 2024, Shahabuddin described a tense episode when a mob surrounded Bangabhaban, the presidential palace, demanding his removal. He termed the experience “extremely frightening.”
The President revealed that amid attempts to unseat him, a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party assured him of the party’s support, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining constitutional order and rejecting any unconstitutional move to remove the head of state.
Shahabuddin praised the current Prime Minister and BNP chief Tarique Rahman, describing him as honest and soft-spoken. He also asserted that the chiefs of Bangladesh’s three armed services backed him fully, affirming his constitutional position as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
In December 2025, Shahabuddin had told Reuters that he felt politically isolated during the interim government and had even contemplated resigning after the elections. He assumed office as President on April 24, 2023, and his term is set to continue until April 2028.
Possible Inquiry into Yunus
Reports indicate that the Rahman government may establish an inquiry commission to investigate alleged irregularities during Yunus’s tenure. Recent media coverage claimed that the wealth of several interim ministers increased significantly while in office. Yunus’s assets reportedly rose by approximately 11% within a year, reaching ₹125 million (around ₹13 million).
Housing Minister Adilur Rahman’s declared assets allegedly increased by ₹12.3 million, ranking among the highest gains within the interim cabinet. Sources suggest that Prime Minister Rahman may constitute a committee to examine the financial disclosures of former ministers.
Amid mounting scrutiny, Yunus is reportedly preparing to relocate to Paris. Notably, he remains Bangladesh’s only Nobel laureate and a globally recognized pioneer in microfinance. During the Hasina administration, he had faced corruption charges, which were later withdrawn after the interim government assumed power.