Bangladesh President Resigns After Three Years Due to Ill Health

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has resigned from his post, citing worsening health conditions after serving just over three years of his five-year term. Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad has taken over presidential duties as interim president, with a new head of state to be elected. Shahabuddin, 76, announced his resignation on Friday, stating that chronic illnesses including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney problems, compounded by autonomic neuropathy, have rendered him unable to fulfill his constitutional responsibilities. He indicated a need for long-term medical treatment. His resignation comes after a two-day stay at the Combined Military Hospital. The departure also occurs amidst political pressures linked to his close ties with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Shahabuddin was inaugurated on April 24, 2023, and was scheduled to serve until April 2028, leaving approximately 21 months remaining in his mandate. His resignation letter, submitted and received by parliament at 5:01 PM local time, formally triggered the interim succession according to Article 54 of the constitution, which empowers the parliament speaker to act as president when the office is vacant or the incumbent is incapacitated.

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After receiving the resignation, I have taken over the responsibility of president in accordance with Article 54 of the constitution.