Play store
President Mohammed Shahabuddin is expected to resign from office soon, possibly as early as Friday or tomorrow, although the timing of the announcement remains uncertain, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
Senior officials at Bangabhaban said the president has decided to step down but is waiting for the return of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, who is due back in Dhaka today after cutting short a medical trip to Thailand.
“The president has decided to leave office. That is true. However, the timing depends on several factors, including the Speaker’s availability,” a senior Bangabhaban official said, noting that under the Constitution, the president must submit a signed resignation letter to the Speaker.
Another Bangabhaban source said an appointment with the Speaker would be sought immediately after his return. If granted, the resignation letter could be delivered later in the day, followed by a formal announcement.
However, another official said late Thursday that the president might delay announcing his decision amid growing public speculation and political discussion surrounding his resignation.
Reuters, citing three unnamed sources, reported that Shahabuddin informed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday of his decision to resign and that a formal announcement could come on Friday.
Family sources and officials close to the president said he is likely to cite health reasons for stepping down. They also said he plans to move to his residence in Gulshan before travelling abroad for medical treatment after leaving office.
According to parliamentary sources, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, who travelled to Bangkok on July 19 for treatment, shortened his visit at the request of senior government officials. He is expected to arrive in Dhaka around midday on a Thai Airways flight, two days ahead of his original schedule.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the government has taken no initiative regarding the president’s resignation. “If the president wishes to resign due to health or any other reason, the Constitution provides that opportunity,” he said.
Under Article 50(3) of the Constitution, the president may resign by submitting a signed letter addressed to the Speaker. Article 54 provides that the Speaker will act as president until a new head of state is elected. Under Article 123(2), Parliament must elect a new president within 90 days of the office becoming vacant.
Shahabuddin, 75, assumed office on April 24, 2023, for a five-year term due to expire in April 2028. Following the fall of the previous Awami League government during the July uprising, he remained in office, overseeing key constitutional responsibilities, including dissolving parliament, administering the oath to the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, and signing ordinances approved by the interim administration.
