POLITICAL tension in Bangladesh grew again today after a leading student group called for the country’s president to resign over comments he made that appeared to call into question former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation in August.

The interim government was expected to hold a cabinet meeting to discuss the issue on Thursday.

The student group, known as the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, set a two-day deadline for President Mohammed Shahabuddin to step down. 

Hundreds of protesters rallied in the capital, Dhaka, on Tuesday while hundreds of others attempted to storm the presidential palace, Bangabhaban.

Police and witnesses said security officials charged at protesters with batons and used stun grenades to disperse people late on Tuesday. Media reports said at least two protesters had been injured by bullets.

The new political turmoil began after Mr Shahabuddin told the Manab Zamin daily earlier this week that he had not seen Ms Hasina’s resignation letter as she fled to India in August amid a student-led uprising. 

“I tried [to collect the resignation letter] many times but failed,” the president was quoted as telling the news outlet about the events of August 5. “Maybe she did not have the time.”

Asif Nazrul, the country’s law adviser, recently accused Mr Shahabuddin of spreading falsehoods and questioned if he was fit to remain in office as head of state.