Bangladesh president, backed by ousted PM Hasina, to resign on Friday, say sources

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin, a former ally of ousted premier Sheikh Hasina, is set to resign on Friday, three sources told Reuters. This development comes days after Hasina announced her intention to return home from exile to surrender.

Hasina, who was sentenced to death in absentia last November by Bangladesh's war crimes court for allegedly ordering a crackdown on a student-led uprising in 2024 that resulted in nearly 1,400 deaths, has denied the charges against her. News of her planned return from India has intensified public pressure on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's new government to remove Hasina's remaining allies from high office.

While the president serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, the role is largely ceremonial in Bangladesh, with executive power concentrated in the hands of the prime minister and cabinet. Shahabuddin's position gained prominence following the 2024 uprising, which forced long-time Prime Minister Hasina to flee to New Delhi in August of that year. Shahabuddin, 76, was elected unopposed for a five-year term in 2023 as a nominee of Hasina’s Awami League party, which is now banned.

Two sources indicated that Shahabuddin has informed Prime Minister Rahman of his decision to resign, with a formal announcement expected on Friday. A third source confirmed this, stating Shahabuddin informed Rahman on Tuesday. All three sources requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. Parliament speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad could serve as interim president until a permanent successor is elected.