“I am suffering from various health complications,” the 76-year-old leader told the newspaper when asked about the reason for stepping down.
A spokesperson for Bangabhaban, the President’s official residence, confirmed to PTI that Shahabuddin’s representatives had left for Parliament carrying his resignation letter.
The letter is expected to be submitted to Parliament Speaker Hafizuddin Ahmed, who will serve as Acting President in accordance with the Bangladesh Constitution until a new President is elected.
“I can’t make any official comment on the resignation until the Speaker receives the letter,” the spokesperson told PTI.
Shahabuddin’s resignation comes amid media speculation that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government was uncomfortable with the largely ceremonial head of state remaining in office.
A veteran of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War and a former lower judiciary judge, Shahabuddin was sworn in as President in April 2023 for a five-year term after being elected by the previous Parliament.
He remained the only constitutional office-holder elected under the previous Awami League-led administration to continue in office following the July-August 2024 student-led protests that toppled then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Hasina fled to India on August 5, 2024, where she has remained since.
(inputs from agencies)
