National Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed returned to Bangladesh after cutting short his Thailand visit amid speculation over the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
The Speaker arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at around 12:15pm on Friday on a Thai Airways flight.
Meanwhile, President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s family has confirmed that he is resigning. Shahabuddin took oath as the 22nd President of Bangladesh on April 24, 2023, but he is set to leave the post before completing his term.
Earlier, a Bangabhaban official told BBC Bangla that the President had not yet signed his resignation letter as the Speaker was abroad. The official said the President would send the resignation letter to the Speaker after his return to the country.
According to Article 50(3) of the Constitution, the President may resign by submitting a signed letter addressed to the Speaker. Under Article 54, the Speaker will assume the duties of the President until a new President is elected.
Officials concerned said there is no constitutional requirement for the Speaker to be physically present when the President resigns. However, as soon as the President signs the resignation letter, the office will become vacant and the Speaker will immediately assume presidential responsibilities.
The officials added that the President is expected to sign the resignation letter at a scheduled time after the Speaker’s return to the country.
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