A Supreme Court lawyer has served a legal notice to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urging the reinstatement of President Md Shahabuddin’s photograph in all Bangladeshi foreign missions, high commissions, and embassies abroad.
Citing Article 48(2) of the Constitution, Advocate Md Mahmudul Hasan sent the notice on Sunday, stating, “It is hereby requested that the notice receiver reinstate the display of the photo of the president in all Bangladesh missions, high commissions, and embassies abroad.”
The lawyer argued that under the constitutional framework, the photograph of the head of State must be displayed in all diplomatic missions. He also recommended that the photo of the chief adviser be displayed alongside the president’s, noting that the chief adviser holds the rank of prime minister and exercises executive authority.
The notice demanded that the president’s photograph be displayed within 10 days of receiving the letter. Failing that, the lawyer warned he would initiate legal proceedings by filing a writ petition with the High Court.
Quoting the Constitution, the notice said, “Under the constitutional framework and established protocol of the State, the photo of the Head of State should be displayed in all foreign missions, high commissions, and embassies of Bangladesh abroad.
According to Article 48(2) of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, “The president shall, as Head of State, take precedence over all other persons in the State.” Hence, the president, as the constitutional Head of State, must be accorded such precedence and dignity.”
