Bangladesh president resigns over poor health

Bangladesh's President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned from his largely ceremonial post on Friday, citing deteriorating health. The president confirmed his decision in a call with AFP, stating, "Yes, I have resigned."

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Yes, I have resigned.

In a resignation letter addressed to the speaker of parliament, Shahabuddin explained that his "worsening physical and mental incapacity" made it impossible to continue discharging his presidential duties. He was elected in 2023 with the backing of former premier Sheikh Hasina's Awami League.

Speculation about his resignation had been widespread, with Shahabuddin reportedly planning to step down before his full term concludes in 2028. The 76-year-old, known as “Chuppu,” faced calls for his removal after a student revolt ousted Hasina in 2024. He 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.

The Home Minister, Salahuddin Ahmed of the governing Bangladesh Nationalist Party, stated on Thursday that the government was unaware of the president's resignation submission, noting that the Constitution requires the letter to be presented to the speaker.

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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.