Two months after the establishment of an interim government in Bangladesh, following student protests that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the nation is again experiencing unrest. This time, the turmoil is fueled by President Mohammed Shahabuddin's recent comments about the deposed leader, sparking protests demanding his resignation. On Tuesday, over a hundred demonstrators attempted to storm the presidential palace in Dhaka, expressing outrage over Shahabuddin's remarks.

The protests erupted after the president, in a recent interview, stated that he lacked documentary proof of Hasina’s resignation as prime minister before she fled Bangladesh on August 5. This statement triggered an outcry among activists, leading to violent protests. Witnesses and television footage revealed protestors clashing with police forces outside the Bangabhaban, the official residence of the president. Authorities responded by using sound grenades, and eventually, army troops intervened to restore order. Local media reported that two individuals were injured by gunfire, and a third person sustained injuries from a sound grenade.

The demonstrations were spearheaded by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, the same group that led the protests resulting in Hasina’s removal from office. The movement has issued a seven-day ultimatum for Shahabuddin's resignation and laid out a five-point agenda, which includes the repeal of Bangladesh’s 1972 Constitution. One of the group’s leaders, Hasnat Abdullah, called for the immediate removal of the “pro-Mujib” constitution, which they claim supports the president’s continued tenure. He warned that the protesters would return to the streets with greater force if their demands were not met.

Tuesday’s demonstrations attracted support from various student groups, with protests held at key locations, including Dhaka University, Shaheed Minar, and Bangabhaban.

Asif Nazrul, a legal advisor to the interim government led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, accused President Shahabuddin of dishonesty, stating that his remarks were a violation of his oath of office. The controversy stems from Shahabuddin’s August 5 televised address, where he announced that he had received Hasina’s resignation, while standing beside military leaders. However, his recent statements have raised questions about the legitimacy of Hasina’s departure and the interim government.

Constitutional expert Shahdhin Malik noted that while Parliament has the authority to impeach the president, the interim government may act independently, given the current political situation. Meanwhile, Bangabhaban released a statement urging the public not to reignite the debate over what it called a "settled issue," referring to the Supreme Court’s decision in a special reference case from August 2024, which addressed the resignation of Sheikh Hasina and the dissolution of Parliament.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who took on the role of Chief Adviser to Bangladesh's interim government on August 8, following Hasina's departure, has remained at the center of the political transition as tensions continue to rise across the country.