Bangladesh: President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned from office on Friday, citing deteriorating physical and mental health, according to a resignation letter seen by AFP, ending his tenure as the country’s largely ceremonial head of state before the completion of his term.
Why Did Shahabuddin Resign?
Shahabuddin confirmed his resignation in a telephone conversation with AFP after reports emerged that he planned to step down before his term was due to expire in 2028.
“Yes, I have resigned,” the 76-year-old president told AFP, without providing further details.
In his resignation letter addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, Shahabuddin said his worsening health had made it impossible for him to continue performing his constitutional responsibilities.
“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 letter stated.
How Has the Government Responded?
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the government had not yet been informed of the president’s resignation.
“If he wants to resign, he would have to submit his resignation letter to the Speaker in accordance with the Constitution,” Ahmed told reporters.
Shahabuddin, widely known as “Chuppu,” was elected president in 2023 with the backing of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League.
Following Hasina’s removal from power during a student-led uprising in 2024, Shahabuddin also faced calls to resign because of his close association with the former government.
Earlier this year, Shahabuddin denied allegations that he had spoken by telephone with Hasina while receiving medical treatment in London, after the claims sparked political criticism.
It remains unclear when Bangladesh’s constitutional process to appoint a new president will begin.