by Emran Hussain Sheikh in Dhaka Tribune, Feb 13, 2023
After much speculation, the ruling Awami League has chosen Mohammed Shahabuddin Chuppu as Bangladesh’s 19th president.
According to party sources, Shahabuddin Chuppu was selected for the post for his uncompromising spirit for the Liberation War, illustrious political career, and proven track record of integrity, efficiency, and dedication.
The party leaders have high hopes that Shahabuddin Chuppu, with his expertise in law, will excel in his role as the new president of Bangladesh.
The sources also believe that the party President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has chosen the best person for the post.
Awami League presidium members Faruk Khan and Abdur Rahman spoke to Bangla Tribune on Sunday regarding the presidential election.
Both of the leaders were in the delegation of the Awami League that went to submit the presidential election nomination paper at the Election Commission. Besides, they were also present at the prime minister’s official residence, Ganabhaban, ahead of the submission of the nomination paper on Sunday morning.
When asked why the former government official, Shahabuddin Chuppu, was chosen as the president, Awami League presidium member Faruk Khan said that Chuppu has been involved in the Liberation War of Bangladesh and politics from a young age under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Highlighting Chuppu’s political life, he said that in 1966, he was the president of the Pabna district unit Chhatra League. “Then he was the president of the district unit Jubo League. He worked for the country’s independence even before the Liberation War took place.”
“During the Liberation War, he jumped into war, as he is a brave freedom fighter. Even after the Liberation War, he remained active in politics centered around the ideals of Bangabandhu, and his education. Because of this, he was imprisoned for three years after the assassination of the Father of the Nation and his family,” he added.
The leader added that after getting released from jail, Shahabuddin joined the BCS (Judicial) Department.
“During his career, he performed his duties with integrity, efficiency, and prestige. He has also served his duties as the commissioner of the Anti Corruption Commission efficiently. Also, as a government employee, he performed his duties with devotion and honour in every field. Later he was appointed as a member of the Advisory Council of the Awami League,” he added.
While talking about his personal experience with Shahabuddin Chuppu, Faruk Khan said: “In 1998, a team under my leadership was tasked to inspect the activities of the parliaments of several countries. Chuppu was also a member of that team. We visited parliaments in Britain, Switzerland, and the United States. I’ve known him since then. I witnessed his talents firsthand during that visit. He is a polite, and sophisticated man.”
“I, personally, think he is the best choice as president. He will be a good president. Being a lawyer and a former judge, he has proven expertise in legal matters as well. He has been nominated for president because of his loyalty to Bangladesh as a citizen, and his faith and belief in the country’s great liberation war,” he added.
Abdur Rahman also thinks that party President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has chosen Chuppu as the president based on everyone’s opinion.
“From being a student leader of Pabna Edward College to the district unit student leader. Sahabuddin Chuppu was also the district unit Jubo League president. After 1975 he served three years in prison. He performed his all duties with honesty, devotion and competence.”
“He is a gentleman. Taking everything into consideration, our party president, Bangabandhu’s daughter Sheikh Hasina, has nominated him as the president considering everyone’s opinion,” he added.
https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2023/02/12/why-awami-league-chose-shahabuddin-chuppu-as-president
