Interim Government Signed US Deal Without President

In a startling revelation, President Mohammed Shahabuddin disclosed that the outgoing interim government, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, had entered into a trade agreement with the United States without informing him.

Speaking exclusively to a private media outlet at Banga Bhaban, the President criticised the interim administration for bypassing the constitutional requirement of keeping the Head of State informed on all matters of foreign and domestic policy.

“When asked if I was aware of the most recent agreement with the United States prior to the elections, I can say categorically that I knew nothing. Such a state-level agreement must be communicated to the President. Historically, every government, whether large or small in scope, has followed this protocol. But in this case, Dr Yunus did not inform me—neither verbally nor in writing,” the President said.

He further alleged that Dr Yunus repeatedly ignored constitutional procedures during his tenure as Chief Adviser. According to the constitution, any foreign visit undertaken by the Chief Adviser must be followed by a briefing to the President, outlining discussions, agreements, or outcomes. “Dr Yunus undertook 14–15 foreign trips, yet not once did he inform me or report back,” he added.

President Shahabuddin also accused the interim government of attempting to marginalise him domestically and internationally, including preventing him from attending foreign summits in Kosovo and Qatar, and from participating in national ceremonial functions such as university convocations. He detailed instances where his official photograph was removed from Bangladeshi embassies abroad, a longstanding diplomatic custom, and described interference in his press wing that left the office incapable of issuing official communications.

He described these actions as deliberate attempts to restrict his public exposure and undermine his constitutional authority.

Summary of Alleged Incidents

President Shahabuddin lamented that these actions were “not only unconstitutional but also personally humiliating” and amounted to repeated attempts to marginalise the Office of the President. He stressed that these measures were carried out without any consultation or formal discussion, leaving him completely sidelined during the interim government’s tenure.