Unaware of any plan for president's resignation, Speaker Hafiz says after returning home

Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad has said he has no knowledge of whether President Mohammed Shahabuddin intends to resign.

He returned to Bangladesh after completing a scheduled medical check-up in Thailand, the speaker said while responding to reporters' questions at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka today (24 July).

"I do not know what the president will or will not do. He is the first citizen of the country." 

Hafiz returned to Dhaka from Bangkok at around 12:15pm, where Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni welcomed him. 

When asked about reports of the president's possible resignation, the speaker said, "I was outside the country, so I have no knowledge of who may or may not resign. Perhaps I will know now. 

"If the president resigns, he will submit his resignation to the speaker. Parliament will elect a new president within the next 90 days. That is the constitutional practice."

When asked why he cut short his visit, Hafiz said he returned home because he had some personal matters to attend to in Dhaka and his medical check-up had concluded.

Asked whether he will assume the role of acting president if the office becomes vacant, the speaker said the Constitution clearly sets out that process.

"It is provided for in the Constitution. When the president resigns, the speaker serves as acting president. Parliament must elect a new president within three months. That is the constitutional position," he said. 

Mohammed Shahabuddin, 75, assumed office as president on 24 April 2023 during the Awami League government's tenure. His five-year term is due to expire in April 2028. 

Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Hafiz Uddin Ahmad returned to Bangladesh two days ahead of his scheduled return from Thailand, a development that has intensified speculation over the possible resignation of President Shahabuddin.

Under the Constitution, the president submits a resignation letter to the speaker of parliament. If the presidency becomes vacant, the speaker assumes the president's responsibilities until a new head of state is elected.

Several responsible sources have indicated that President Mohammed Shahabuddin could resign soon, although no official announcement has been made.

Reuters reported late yesterday, citing three sources familiar with the matter, that Shahabuddin is expected to step down today. The sources requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue. Neither the Office of the President nor the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat has officially commented on the reported resignation plans.