Not today, perhaps a few more days

President Md. Sahabuddin was widely expected to resign at any time today, Friday, based on discussions throughout Thursday. But a different message emerged from Bangabhaban after the evening. An official said the president may not announce a decision today. He may resign after a few more days. The government, however, has not made any official statement regarding the president’s resignation. Home Affairs Adviser Salahuddin Ahmed said, “The government has no role here. If the president wants to step down for health reasons or any other reason, the Constitution provides that opportunity.”

Earlier on Thursday, a Bangabhaban official said preparations were underway for the president’s departure. He had sent some of his personal belongings to his residence in Gulshan. He was also expected to exchange farewell greetings with Bangabhaban officials and employees today and tomorrow. A few days after resigning, he is expected to travel abroad for medical treatment. The matter appeared to become clearer after it was learned that Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed had decided to cut short his visit to Bangkok and return to the country by this afternoon. Under the Constitution, the president submits his resignation letter to the speaker.

Reliable sources at the Parliament Secretariat said Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 12:10 p.m. today on a Thai Airways flight. He traveled to Bangkok on July 19 for medical treatment. Under his original schedule, he was supposed to return on July 26. However, he was requested by the government’s higher authorities to shorten his visit and return today.

An official at the Parliament Secretariat said the speaker had originally been scheduled to return on July 26. However, the government’s higher authorities requested him to return sooner. As a result, he will return on Friday. Asked why the speaker was returning early, the official said, “We have been hearing various rumors about the president’s resignation. That may be why sir is shortening his visit and returning to the country. I hope everything will become clear soon.”

Under Article 50(3) of the Constitution, the president may resign by sending a signed letter addressed to the speaker. If the office of the president becomes vacant, Article 54 provides that the speaker will perform the duties of the president until a new president is elected. Under Article 123(2), a new president must be elected within 90 days if the office becomes vacant due to death, resignation or removal. Article 48(1) provides that the president is elected by the votes of members of parliament. Although the Constitution does not require the speaker to be physically present in the country at the time of the president’s resignation, the speaker assumes the responsibilities immediately after the office becomes vacant. Therefore, the resignation and transfer of responsibilities are coordinated.