Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Sunday that the government finds no legal grounds to arrest former President Mohammed Shahabuddin, confirming that he will receive all security arrangements and legal entitlements guaranteed to him by law.

"There is nothing that we see as grounds for arresting the former president. He will get all the facilities he is entitled to under the law. He will also receive security," the Minister informed journalists following an awards ceremony at the Secretariat honoring police officers for acts of bravery and distinguished service.

He clarified that security detail will be supplied by the Special Security Force (SSF) and President’s Guard Regiment (PGR) for six months, alongside coordinated protection from the police and other security branches as mandated by law.

Addressing public calls and demonstrations demanding Shahabuddin's arrest, Salahuddin acknowledged that citizens possess the right to voice opinions and organize peaceful protests.

"However we have not found any statement there that requires our consideration," he remarked.

The Home Minister highlighted that Shahabuddin discharged his presidential duties strictly under constitutional mandates throughout his tenure, spanning the closing phase of the previous authoritarian government, the interim administration, and the current government.

He emphasized that the constitutional immunity enjoyed by a sitting president covers actions taken during his term, though he noted, "If anyone has any allegations regarding any period outside his official responsibilities, those will be dealt with according to the law."

When asked about an alleged audio recording involving the former president, Salahuddin stated that the ministry has no concrete information beyond media reports, observing that claims of traveling to London simply to hold a phone conversation appear unrealistic in today's digital era.

Similarly, addressing questions regarding cross-border smuggling in the Sylhet region backed by political figures, the Minister noted no formal complaints have been received, promising a thorough probe if evidence is submitted.

The Home Minister also dismissed speculation surrounding an improvised explosive device found near the Motijheel metro station during the Hindu community’s Ulta Rath Yatra festival.

He confirmed that joint security measures ensured peaceful celebrations across the country and described the discovery as purely coincidental, adding, "I do not think it has any connection with the religious event."

He praised the vigilant Ansar personnel who first identified the device before the bomb disposal unit safely neutralized it, confirming the Ansar members will receive official recognition and rewards.

During the Secretariat event, financial grants and commendation letters were awarded to police personnel for arresting robbery suspects, recovering stolen property, and retrieving a misplaced bag belonging to an expatriate to ensure its timely arrival at the airport.

Salahuddin described such recognition as a lifelong honor that enhances societal respect for officers and their families while fostering public service values.

Regarding the absence of police medal distributions during this year's Police Week, the Minister explained that preliminary evaluations prepared under tight schedules revealed procedural errors and minor irregularities.

He confirmed that medals will be presented after the recipient list undergoes complete verification and refinement.

With Inputs from UNB