Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed was sworn in yesterday as the 14th President of the country.
Chief Justice ATM Afzal administered the oath of office to the 66-year-old new President at a simple but impressive ceremony at Darbar Hall of the Bangabhaban.
Justice Shahabuddin succeeded Abdur Rahman Biswas who left the Bangabhaban on Tuesday on completion of his five-year tenure. He was present at the ceremony yesterday.
Biswas is the first elected president to complete his term in the country's 25-year history.
A nominee of the ruling Awami League. Justice Shahabuddin. was elected President unopposed on July 23.
Earlier he had headed the first-ever non-party caretaker government in the countiy following the mass upheaval that
toppled the regime of HM Er-shad in 1990.
The 10-minute swearing-in ceremony began right at 10 am with recitation from the holy Quran at the packed huge Darbar Hall.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Speaker Humayun Rashid Choudhury, former presidents Mohammadullah and Justice Ahsanuddin Choudhury, former Chief advisor Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman, city mayor Mohammad Hanif. ministers, members of parliament, judges of the Supreme Court, top civil and military officials, diplomats. political leaders, senior journalists and other dignitaries were present.
Leader of the Opposition in the Jatiya Sangsad and BNP chief Begum Khaleda Zia did not attend the function while senior BNP leaders were pre-
sent.
Later, Begum Zia called on the new President at the Bangabhaban in the evening.
As Cabinet Secretary Syed Ahmed announced the start of the swearing-in ceremony, out-Soing president Biswas. Presi-ent-elect Justice Shahabuddin and the Chief Justice entered the Darbar Hail. The National Anthem was played after they climbed the decorated podium.
On the dais, the Presidentelect sat on the right and the Chief Justice on the left of the-outgoing President.
The verses recited from the Quran were later translated into Bangla: "...the Almighty bestows honour on anyone he chooses and takes away honour from anyone he desires ...."
The Chief Justice then administered the oath to Justice Shahabuddin. The oath-taking over, the new President proceeded to take his seat and the immediate past Cresident stood up to congratu-ite his successor. The two then exchanged their seats on the podium. The new President also shook hands with the Chief Justice. Alter sitting in his chair. Justice Shahabuddin signed the text of the oath.
The ceremony ended at 10.10 am.
Later, the ^w President was given a guar^B^ionour by a smartly turn^cW^ontingent of the President's G^rd Regi ment. He took salute and inspected the guard.
Earlier, the first to arrive at the Bangabhaban was Abdur Rahman Biswas followed by Justice Shahabuddin. They were given ceremonial welcome.
The Prime Minister was also warmly greeted on her arrival there. She sat on the first row while the oath-taking took place.
The outgoing president was the first to leave t)ie Bangabhaban. The new President bade him farewell.
The new President, his predecessor. the Prime Minister, the Speaker and the Chief Justice had earlier sat in a row during refreshment. The guests congratulated Justice Shahabuddin on his assumption of office of the President. They also talked with the PM and others.
Talking to newsmen during the refreshment. Judice Shahabuddin saii TJL^vise both the governme^^^^he Opposition to work ^^Kdlv and cooperate with ’each other in strengthening the democratic process.” He expressed his opti-
mism about the future of democracy in the country.
Terming the post of Presi dent a symbol of national unity. Justice Shahabuddin pledged that he would work for strengthening the democratic and constitutional process with the help of the government and the Opposition.
In reply to a Question, the new President sain, T feel good ... My duty would be to see that democracy continue functioning.”
Asked on the Indemnity Ordinance. he replied. Tm hot a lawyer. I'm now the President. You better ask the lawyers on the issue.”
Asked about his reaction, the outgoing president told the press. "I'm happy and proud for peaceful transfer of power through myself. I hope this practice will go on for ever.”