Submits resignation letter to the Speaker under Article 50(3) of the Constitution
President Mohammed Shahabuddin Resigns Citing Ill Health
- President Mohammed Shahabuddin officially resigned today, ending months of media rumors
- Severe health issues, including Autonomic Neuropathy, were cited as the primary reasons for stepping down
- Under Article 54 of the Constitution, the Speaker of Parliament will act as Interim President until a new President is elected
Turning viral digital media rumors into reality, President Mohammed Shahabuddin officially stepped down on July 24, Friday. At around 4:00 PM, he submitted his resignation letter addressed to the Speaker of the National Parliament under Article 50(3) of the Constitution.
Mohammed Shahabuddin originally took oath as the 22nd President of Bangladesh on April 24, 2023, for a five-year tenure that was set to end in April 2028. However, he resigned nearly one and three-quarter years before the completion of his term. His tenure witnessed pivotal historical political moments, including the August 2024 mass uprising, the fall of the previous government, the term of the interim administration, and the subsequent 13th National Parliamentary Election. Notably, he holds the unique record of administering the oath of office to three different heads of government during a single presidential term.
In the resignation letter written on Bangabhaban letterhead, the 76-year-old leader outlined his constitutional role during the post-uprising period. He stated that following the August 5, 2024 uprising, he sought the opinion of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court under Article 106 to prevent a constitutional collapse. The interim government was subsequently formed based on the court's advisory, paving the way for political consultations and the general election that established the current government.
Detailing his reasons for stepping down, Shahabuddin highlighted severe physical ailments, including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, kidney complications, and a past coronary bypass surgery. He was recently diagnosed with 'Autonomic Neuropathy,' a condition causing temporary loss of consciousness. Stating that long-term medical treatment renders him physically and mentally unable to carry out the critical duties of the presidency, he opted to resign.
According to Supreme Court legal experts and Article 54 of the Constitution, the Speaker of the Parliament will discharge the duties of the President until a new head of state is elected by lawmakers. Historically, former Speaker Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar similarly served as Acting President from June 21 to September 6, 2002. The Election Commission is expected to organize the election for the new President in accordance with parliamentary procedure.
//DBTech/DMO/EDP//
