Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Assumes Office as Acting President After Shahabuddin’s Resignation

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad (Bir Bikram) has assumed the responsibilities of the Acting President of Bangladesh following the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin on health grounds, in accordance with the Constitution.

Speaking at a press conference held at the oath room of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat on Friday afternoon, the Speaker confirmed that President Shahabuddin submitted his signed resignation letter at 5:01 p.m. under Article 50(3) of the Constitution.

He said that after formally accepting the resignation, he assumed the duties of the President under Article 54 of the Constitution. He also directed the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat to preserve the resignation letter in its official records and complete all necessary administrative procedures.

According to the Speaker, President Shahabuddin stated in his resignation letter that he has been suffering from heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and kidney-related complications. He also underwent coronary bypass surgery and was recently diagnosed with Autonomic Neuropathy, a condition that occasionally causes him to lose consciousness. Due to these serious physical and mental health challenges, he said he was no longer able to perform the constitutional responsibilities of the Presidency and required long-term medical treatment.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmad explained that, under the Constitution, the Speaker is already authorized to perform the duties of the Acting President whenever required. He added that if the office of the Speaker becomes vacant, the Deputy Speaker would assume the Speaker's responsibilities.

Referring to public discussions surrounding the President's resignation, he said the resignation letter clearly establishes that the decision was made solely for health reasons. He also wished former President Mohammed Shahabuddin a speedy recovery.

Responding to questions from journalists, the Speaker said a President may resign due to illness after providing a written explanation of his health condition, and no additional medical certificate is required under the constitutional process.

He further emphasized that the office of the President never remains vacant under the Constitution. As Acting President, he will continue to discharge the responsibilities of the office until a new President is elected and sworn in.

Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam, Deputy Speaker Barrister Qaiser Kamal, and senior officials of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were also present at the press conference.