DHAKA: Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has resigned, citing serious health concerns, his office announced on Friday.
“Recent medical examinations have diagnosed me with a condition known as autonomic neuropathy. Due to this condition, I occasionally experience momentary loss of consciousness,” Shahabuddin, 76, said in a statement released by his press secretary.
The Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, the national parliament, will perform the duties of the president until a new one is elected, the statement said.
“Due to worsening physical and mental incapacity… it is no longer possible for me to properly discharge the responsibilities of an important constitutional office such as the presidency,” it said.
Under Articles 50 and 54 of Bangladesh’s Constitution, once the President formally tenders his resignation to the Speaker of Parliament, the Speaker must immediately assume duties as Acting President.
Shahabuddin elected President in 2023
Shahabuddin, was elected as the 22nd President of Bangladesh by parliament in 2023 with the backing of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League.
In May, Shahabuddin was accused of speaking by telephone with Hasina while receiving medical treatment in London, an allegation he has denied.
His resignation leaves Hasina without any close allies in high office ahead of her planned return in five months.
Also Read: Hasina Says She Will Return to Bangladesh, Surrender Despite Death Sentence
Hasina, the leader of the banned Awami League party, was removed from power during a student-led uprising in the summer of 2024. She fled to India and has said she plans to return to Bangladesh later this year, where she has been sentenced to death over charges related to civilian killings.
The president of Bangladesh is elected by members of parliament. With the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) holding a majority in parliament, its nominee is considered the leading contender to become the country’s next president.
