Bangladesh’s Presidency: A History of Unfinished Terms
Bangladesh’s presidency has rarely been stable in its 53-year history. Few leaders have completed their full terms in office. Many have resigned, been removed, or faced tragic ends. This pattern continued with Md Shahabuddin’s recent resignation on July 24.
Following his departure, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad became acting president. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was then elected president last Thursday. He took the oath of office on Friday evening. He is now the country’s 24th president. Speaker Ahmad has since returned to his duties.
Md Shahabuddin cited serious health problems in his resignation letter. He mentioned heart disease, diabetes, and kidney issues. These made him unable to fulfill his duties. Political sources also suggest pressure from the new BNP government, which won a large majority in February’s elections.
Historically, no directly elected president has finished a full term. All presidents who completed terms took office after 1991. These leaders held largely ceremonial powers. The presidency, though a high office, often faces political disputes.
Assassinations, coups, and mass movements have frequently changed presidential fates. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Ziaur Rahman were both assassinated in office. Many other leaders faced early departures.
Abdur Rahman Biswas served a full five-year term from 1991 to 1996. He was the first president to complete his tenure. Md Abdul Hamid holds the record for longest service. He served ten years, completing two terms from 2013 to 2023. He received a rare state farewell.
Md Shahabuddin was elected unopposed in 2023. His five-year term was set to end in 2028. His resignation came after the Awami League government fell in August 2024. This led to calls for his removal. The recent change highlights ongoing challenges for stability in Bangladesh.
