Bangladesh President Shahabuddin resigns citing health issues

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin, 76, has resigned from his largely ceremonial post, citing serious health issues. His office announced Friday that recent medical examinations diagnosed him with autonomic neuropathy, a condition that causes occasional loss of consciousness.

Shahabuddin, who assumed the presidency in April 2023, stated in a released statement that due to his condition, he could no longer properly discharge the responsibilities of his office. He also cited deteriorating physical and mental capacity in a resignation letter submitted to the speaker of parliament.

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Recent medical examinations have diagnosed me with a condition known as autonomic neuropathy. Due to this condition, I occasionally experience momentary loss of consciousness.

The speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, the national parliament, will perform the duties of the president until a new leader is elected. Shahabuddin's resignation comes after a period of political volatility in Bangladesh, including a student-led uprising against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024. Shahabuddin, a former ally of Hasina, was elected with support from her Awami League party. Allegations of him speaking with Hasina while she was abroad for medical treatment in May have been denied by Shahabuddin.

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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.