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Bangladesh’s next President will be elected during the regular session of Parliament scheduled for September, with no need to convene a special session, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman said on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka, the minister said the constitutional process for electing the country’s new head of state would be completed through the upcoming parliamentary session.
“There is no situation that warrants calling a special session of Parliament for the presidential election,” he said.
The post of President became vacant after Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned on health grounds before completing his five-year term. Under the Constitution, Parliament must elect a new President within 90 days of the office falling vacant.
Following Shahabuddin’s resignation, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed assumed the responsibilities of Acting President in accordance with constitutional provisions. He will continue in the role until a new President is elected by members of Parliament.
Responding to questions on other issues, the law minister said the government would withdraw the case filed against eight people injured during the July movement in Chattogram if it is found to be false.
“If the case against the eight injured individuals is proved to be fabricated, it will be withdrawn,” he said.
The minister also ruled out any possibility of withdrawing rape cases on political considerations, saying no accused person, regardless of political status or influence, would receive special treatment in such serious criminal offences.
On border security, Asaduzzaman claimed that incidents of extrajudicial killings along the country’s borders had now fallen to zero.
Asked whether legal action could be taken against former President Shahabuddin after his resignation, the minister declined to comment, saying it would not be appropriate to make any remarks on the matter at this stage.
Shahabuddin, Bangladesh’s 22nd President, assumed office on April 24, 2023, and stepped down earlier than scheduled, citing serious health complications. Under the Constitution, Parliament is required to elect his successor within 90 days.