Bangladesh’s president, once a close ally of ousted premier Sheikh Hasina, resigns

Bangladesh's President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned Friday, halfway through his term, citing medical reasons. Appointed during the rule of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Shahabuddin's resignation follows significant political turbulence, including Hasina's departure to India in August 2024 after a prolonged anti-government movement. A new government led by Tarique Rahman came to power in February. While Shahabuddin officially cited health issues, local media reported he resigned under pressure from the current government, allegedly due to contact with Hasina. Shahabuddin, a former ally of Hasina, faced opposition from student groups who branded him a collaborator. According to the constitution, the Parliament Speaker will serve as interim president until a new one is elected.

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has resigned two years before the end of his five-year term, citing health reasons. The 76-year-old president stated in a letter to Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed that he has been diagnosed with Autonomic Neuropathy, which causes occasional momentary loss of consciousness, rendering him unable to perform his constitutional duties. The speaker has accepted the resignation, which becomes effective upon submission. According to the constitution, the speaker will assume presidential duties until a new president is elected within 90 days. Shahabuddin refuted media reports suggesting his resignation was linked to a phone call with ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin will resign on Friday, halfway through his term, due to illnesses that prevent him from performing his duties. His spokesman stated that the president requires treatment and rest. This resignation occurs before the end of his tenure in April 2028. The decision follows ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's announcement that she plans to return in December to surrender after a court conviction. The article notes that the president's office in Bangladesh is largely ceremonial.