Bangladesh President Mohammad Shahabuddin Resigns

Dhaka, Bangladesh: President Mohammad Shahabuddin submitted his resignation on Friday, July 24, marking a significant political development in the country.

The resignation letter was formally submitted to National Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. 

Shahabuddin, 76, resigned two years ahead the end of his full five-year term. He cited health reasons for his decision. This comes amid rising demand from opposition parties for him to step down.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed returned to Dhaka earlier today from Thailand, cutting short his medical trip by two days. Upon arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, he briefed reporters on the constitutional procedures that follow a presidential resignation.

“If the President resigns, the resignation letter must be submitted to the Speaker. The National Parliament will then elect a new President within the next 90 days,” the Speaker stated.

He further clarified his own role, saying, “When the President resigns, the Speaker serves as the Acting President, as clearly stipulated in the Constitution of Bangladesh. The National Parliament must elect a new President within three months.”

The Speaker had departed for Bangkok on July 19 for medical check-ups. His early return fueled widespread speculation about the President’s position throughout the day.