The end of a chapter: President Shahabuddin may resign anytime

President Mohammed Shahabuddin may resign at any moment due to physical illness according to a reliable source from the president’s office that confirmed to Agamir Somoy.

However, it is also hinted that this decision has a “green signal” from the BNP government, which came to power with a massive majority in the 12 February national election.

Following the intense July mass uprising that resulted in then prime minister Sheikh Hasina leaving the country on 5 August 2024, Shahabuddin became a focal point of discussion.

At that time, the situation was heated with demands for the resignation of the president appointed by the Awami League (AL); protesters even reached the edges of president’s office.

To maintain the constitutional continuity, BNP took a stance against the President’s resignation at that time. As a result, the interim government led by Yunus managed the state while handling the protesters.

Shahabuddin continued to serve as president even after the BNP government was sworn in on 17 February. Now, five months into the government’s term, the issue of the president’s resignation has resurfaced strongly in discussions.

An official from President’s office, speaking on Wednesday, said, “The President may resign today, tomorrow, the day after, or any day this month.” The official cited the president’s “illness” as the reason.

He informed that the president is ill, suffering from neurological complications. Recently, he underwent various tests, including an MRI at the CMH (Combined Military Hospital), twice. Doctors have advised him to seek advanced treatment abroad.

The official revealed that Shahabuddin had been considering the matter of resignation since the first day the BNP government took power. After the swearing-in ceremony of ministers at the South Plaza of the National Parliament on 17 February, he also informed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of this.

The President told Tarique Rahman at the time, “You have come to power with a huge majority. Now you will elect the president; that is only natural. I am ready to provide all kinds of cooperation in this regard.”

Some top-level BNP leaders have claimed that no separate closeness developed with the president after the BNP government came to power; he has simply been performing his constitutional duties.

Constitutional expert Shahdeen Malik told Agamir Somoy, “There will be no crisis if the President resigns. In a normal situation, if the president wishes to resign voluntarily, he can do so via a signed letter addressed to the speaker. In this case, the speaker will perform the duties until a new president is elected. This is clearly stated in the constitution.”

He added, “Earlier, when president AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury resigned, the then-speaker Jamiruddin Sircar served as the acting president. It is the parliament’s responsibility to elect a new president once the post becomes vacant.”

Article 50(3) of the Constitution states, “The President may resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the Speaker.”

This means if Shahabuddin wishes to resign, he will submit his resignation letter to the speaker of the National Parliament.

Moreover, Article 54 of the Constitution says: “If a vacancy occurs in the office of president or if the president is unable to discharge the functions of his office on account of absence, illness or any other cause, the speaker shall discharge those functions until a president is elected or until the president resumes the functions of his office, as the case may be.”

Article 48(1) of the Constitution states: “There shall be a President of Bangladesh who shall be elected by members of Parliament in accordance with law.”

Shahabuddin assumed the presidency for a five-year term on 24 April 2023, during the AL government. He was once a commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), at which time the people of the country knew him as Shahabuddin Chuppu.

As the head of state, Shahabuddin is the commander-in-chief of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. Beyond that, the role is essentially ceremonial; the executive power of the country remains in the hands of the prime minister and the cabinet.

He faced an unprecedented situation 16 months after taking office. AL government fell in a student-citizen uprising, and Sheikh Hasina fled to India after resigning from the prime minister’s post.  

Even though nothing from the Hasina era remained, Shahabuddin stayed at the office as an inevitable consequence. He had to give the order to dissolve the parliament and swear in the interim government.

He also had to complete the formalities of signing the ordinances to turn the decisions taken by the interim government into law. Even the new government of Tarique Rahman took its oath before Shahabuddin after the election.

In an interview given to a leading media outlet in February, Shahabuddin said, “Various conspiracies took place during the time of the interim government. Many attempts were made to destroy the peace and order of the country forever and to create a constitutional vacuum. I remained firm in my decision.

“For that reason, no conspiracy succeeded. In particular, numerous plots to uproot the President through unconstitutional means failed.”

In that interview, Shahabuddin also mentioned receiving “100% support” from the BNP during those difficult times.

From Pabna to president’s office

According to the biography provided on the Press Information Department (PID) website, Shahabuddin was born on 10 December 1949 in Shibrampur, Pabna town. After becoming involved in politics during his student days, he served as the general secretary of the Pabna Edward College unit of the Chhatra League in 1967-68, vice president of the undivided Pabna District Chhatra League in 1969-70, and president of the Pabna District Chhatra League from 1970-73.

He was one of those who hoisted the flag of Bangladesh at the Pabna Town Hall ground on 23 March 1971. He served as the convener of the Pabna District Shadhin Bangla Chhatra Sangram Parishad.

Shahabuddin actively participated in the Liberation War 1971 as a member of the Mujib Bahini. He served as the president of the Pabna District Jubo League in 1974.

When the Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL) was formed in 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman nominated him as the joint secretary of the Pabna District BAKSAL.

Shahabuddin joined the Bangladesh Civil Service (Judicial) cadre in 1982. He retired as a District and Sessions Judge in 2006. From 2011 to 2016, Shahabuddin served as a commissioner of the ACC.

Shahabuddin’s wife, Rebecca Sultana, retired as a joint secretary to the government in 2009. Md Arshad Adnan is their only child. His two twin grandsons are Tahsin Md Adnan and Tahmid Md Adnan. Traveling, reading books, and listening to music are his favorite hobbies.