Bangladesh president resigns citing ill health

Bangladesh's President Mohammed Shahabuddin has stepped down from his largely ceremonial role, citing deteriorating health as the reason for his resignation. The 76-year-old leader confirmed his decision in a call with AFP on Friday, ending widespread speculation about his plans to leave office before his term concludes in 2028.

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Yes, I have resigned.

In a formal resignation letter submitted to the speaker of parliament, Shahabuddin detailed his "worsening physical and mental incapacity." He stated that these conditions made it impossible for him to continue fulfilling the duties of the presidency. The president, widely known as "Chuppu," was elected in 2023 with the backing of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party.

Shahabuddin's resignation comes amid a period of political sensitivity. Following a student revolt that ousted former premier Sheikh Hasina in 2024, there were calls for the president's removal as well. Shahabuddin had previously denied allegations of speaking with Hasina by phone while undergoing medical treatment in London in May.

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Due to worsening physical and mental incapacity… it is no longer possible for me to properly discharge the responsibilities of an important constitutional office such as the presidency.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed of the governing Bangladesh Nationalist Party stated on Thursday that the government had no prior knowledge of the president's resignation. He clarified that any resignation would require a formal letter to the speaker, as stipulated by the constitution.

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If he wants to resign, he would have to submit his resignation letter to the speaker in accordance with the Constitution.