Bangladesh president resigns citing ill health
When a student revolt ousted the autocratic ex-PM Hasina in 2024, calls mounted for the president to be removed, too
Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin speaks during the 18th East Asia Summit as part of the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Jakarta on Sept. 7, 2023. (Photo: AFP)
Bangladesh’s president, a close ally of former premier Sheikh Hasina, resigned from the largely ceremonial role on July 25 citing ill health, according to a letter seen by AFP
President Mohammed Shahabuddin confirmed he was stepping down in a call with AFP
“Yes, I have resigned,” Shahabuddin said when asked about widespread speculation that he planned to step down before completing his full term ending in 2028
He did not provide further details
In a resignation letter to the speaker of parliament, seen by AFP, Shahabuddin cited his deteriorating health
“Due to worsening physical and <a href="https://lumeamara.online/?p=4638" title="Yas Queen! Drag and Trans Women’s Mental Health”>mental incapacity… it is no longer possible for me to properly discharge the responsibilities of an important constitutional office such as the presidency,” it said
The 76-year-old, widely known as “Chuppu”, was elected by parliament in 2023 with support from Hasina’s Awami League
When a student revolt ousted the autocratic Hasina in 2024, calls mounted for the president to be removed, too
Shahabuddin was accused of speaking to Hasina by phone while he was undergoing medical treatment in London in May, an allegation he has denied
By OSV News, OSV News| Vatican City
By Courtney Mares, OSV News| Vatican City
By Paulina Guzik, OSV News| Vatican City
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed of the governing Bangladesh Nationalist Party said Thursday the government was not aware of the president having submitted his resignation
“If he wants to resign, he would have to submit his resignation letter to the speaker in accordance with the Constitution,” he told reporters
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