As the first president of Bangladesh, Advocate Md. Abdul Hamid served for 10 years in two consecutive terms. As the outgoing president, he said to the politicians, "Politics will be clean only if you can do it by loving people."
As Abdul Hamid's second term is completed today, he is going to be replaced by Md. Sahabuddin. Abdul Hamid is leaving Bangabhaban, the official residence of the President, due to the end of his term.
Talking to reporters at Bangabhaban before the start of the farewell ceremony, he said, "From today I will be able to move freely as a common man. To be honest, I felt comfortable in the National Assembly. Even though I didn't want to come here. Anyway, I spent more than 10 years."
Md. Abdul Hamid about his long term duties as president said, "I am the first president in this subcontinent to serve for more than 10 years continuously. No one in India or Pakistan has served for so long before this."
In response to the question of what he will do in his later life, the outgoing president said, "I am now a retired person." I have nothing else to do. But I will write something in my leisure time."
As President Abdul Hamid's five-year term ended yesterday, he was bid farewell from Bangabhaban. He served the highest post of the country for two terms for more than 10 years. This is a rare instance in the 52-year history of Bangabhaban.
According to the former president's family sources, Abdul Hamid will stay at his residence 'President Lodge' located in Nikunj of the capital after his departure from Bangabhaban. It is said that the family essentials and other items have been shifted there.
