President Steps Down Citing Grave Health; Speaker Assumes Top Office
President Mohammed Shahabuddin officially resigned from his position on Friday, citing a series of severe health issues that made it impossible for him to continue his constitutional duties. The unexpected departure led immediately to Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, assuming the responsibilities of Acting President.
The resignation letter was formally submitted to Speaker Ahmad at 5:01 PM on Friday. Speaker Ahmad then announced his acceptance of the resignation and his assumption of the Acting President’s role during a press conference held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. He confirmed that these actions align with Article 50(3) and Article 54 of the Constitution.
In his resignation letter, President Shahabuddin detailed a number of serious health complications. These included heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney-related ailments. He also mentioned undergoing previous coronary bypass surgery. Recent medical examinations had diagnosed him with autonomic neuropathy, a condition that occasionally caused him to lose consciousness.
The former President stated that due to these physical challenges and the resulting mental incapacity, fulfilling his constitutional responsibilities had become impossible. He indicated a need for long-term medical treatment as the primary reason for his decision to step down.
Speaker Ahmad clarified that his oath as Speaker already covers the duties of an Acting President when necessary, as outlined in the Constitution. He also explained that if the Speaker’s office were to become vacant, the Deputy Speaker would then perform the Speaker’s duties.
Addressing public speculation, Speaker Ahmad firmly stated that President Shahabuddin’s resignation was solely due to health reasons, dismissing any other theories. He extended his best wishes for the former President’s speedy recovery and good health. The Speaker also confirmed that a written resignation clearly detailing medical reasons does not require an additional medical certificate.
He reassured the public that the office of President is never vacant under the Constitution. As Speaker, he accepted the resignation and immediately began carrying out the duties of the President. Jatiya Sangsad Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal, and other senior officials were present at the press conference.
