President Md. Shahabuddin has resigned from office, stepping down nearly two years before the completion of his five-year constitutional term. His resignation letter was submitted to Speaker of Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmed on Friday.
In the letter, Shahabuddin cited serious health complications as the reason for resigning from the presidency.
In his resignation letter, he wrote:
I, Md. Shahabuddin, was elected as the 22nd President of the People`s Republic of Bangladesh and took the oath of office on April 24, 2023. Since then, I have carried out my responsibilities with dedication, honesty, and full allegiance to the Constitution.
It is pertinent to mention that following the fall of the then government on August 5, 2024, amid a mass uprising led by students and the public, the country faced a constitutional and governance crisis. In an effort to resolve that crisis, I sought the opinion of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh under the authority of Article 106 of the Constitution. Acting on the advice of the Appellate Division, I formed the interim government. The interim government, after consultations with political parties, organized the general election to the National Parliament.
Based on the election results, the current government assumed office and is now administering the country. Both the ruling party and the opposition are carrying out their respective responsibilities in Parliament through democratic practices. Owing to my firm and constructive role, the country did not experience any constitutional breakdown.
I am seriously ill. I suffer from heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and kidney complications. I have undergone bypass surgery. Recently, I was diagnosed with a condition called autonomic neuropathy. As a result of this illness, I occasionally lose consciousness for brief periods. Due to these medical conditions and the resulting physical and mental limitations, I am no longer able to discharge the responsibilities of the important constitutional office of the President. I require long-term medical treatment.
Therefore, in accordance with Article 50(3) of the Constitution, I hereby resign from the office of the President.
Under the Constitution of Bangladesh, a presidential resignation takes effect immediately upon signing the resignation letter.
Following Shahabuddin`s resignation, the Speaker of Parliament will serve as Acting President until a new president is elected.
The Constitution requires that a new president be elected within 90 days of the office becoming vacant.
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