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President Mohammed Shahabuddin is expected to resign today (on Friday), cutting short his five-year term amid mounting political pressure linked to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s planned return from exile, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
Shahabuddin, a longtime ally of Hasina and a member of the now-banned Awami League, is expected to step down just months before Hasina and several exiled party leaders plan to return to Bangladesh and surrender following their convictions.
The president’s spokesperson confirmed to Reuters that Shahabuddin will resign on Friday but declined to comment on the reasons behind the decision. Sources said the move follows growing pressure within the government over his close ties to Hasina.
Under Bangladesh’s Constitution, the president submits a resignation letter to the Speaker of Parliament. If the presidency becomes vacant, the Speaker assumes the duties of acting president until a new head of state is elected.
Hasina, who was ousted in the 2024 uprising and has been living in exile, recently announced plans to return to Bangladesh to surrender after being sentenced to death in absentia over the deadly crackdown on anti-government protesters. She has denied the charges.
The expected resignation comes at a politically sensitive time, with the government facing increasing pressure ahead of Hasina’s anticipated return and continuing legal proceedings involving former Awami League leaders.
