United News of Bangladesh

The Constitutional immunity of a President remains effective only while he or she is in office and legal action can be taken after the tenure ends, Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman said on Tuesday. He made the remarks while responding to questions from reporters at a press briefing at Secretariat on the progress of various government activities. Replying to a question on whether former president Mohammed Shahabuddin has been granted immunity, the adviser said that under the Constitution, no legal proceedings can be initiated against a sitting President. "After leaving office, if necessary, legal proceedings may be initiated against a former President in connection with allegations or legal matters relating to events that occurred before assuming office or after the tenure," he said. Dr. Zahed clarified that his remarks are not directed at the outgoing president but are intended as a general constitutional interpretation. He expressed hope that the clarification would help remove any confusion surrounding the issue. Responding to another question on judicial independence, the Prime Minister's adviser said the judiciary is an independent institution and not part of the government. He said people can seek justice in all courts including the International Crimes Tribunal. "In some cases, the government may be a party to a case, but the courts make their decisions independently. In many other cases, the government is not a party at all," he added.