Speaker on Shahabuddin
Despite being elected during mafia rule, he showed respect for current government
Photo: Agamir Somoy
Outgoing President Md. Shahabuddin was elected during the rule of a mafia government, but he expressed support and respect for the current government elected by the people’s vote, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed believes.
The Speaker made the remarks at an emergency press conference on Shahabuddin’s resignation on Friday afternoon.
Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said, “Under Article 50, Clause 3 of the Constitution, President Md. Shahabuddin submitted his signed resignation letter to me today (Friday) at 5:01 pm In accordance with Article 54 of the Constitution, I have assumed the responsibilities of the President.”
“I have accepted the resignation letter, and instructions have been given to preserve it in the records of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat and to complete the necessary administrative procedures,” he added.
Explaining the reason for the President’s resignation, the Speaker said he had stated in writing that he was seriously ill. He has been suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney complications.
The Speaker said the President had previously undergone bypass surgery on his heart. He added that medical examinations had diagnosed the President with a condition called autonomic neuropathy. Because of this illness, he occasionally loses consciousness.
The Speaker said that because of these illnesses and his physical and mental inability, it was no longer possible for the President to carry out the responsibilities of such an important constitutional office.
Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said, “He requires long term medical treatment. For this reason, he has resigned on health grounds, and as the Speaker of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad, I alone have accepted this resignation letter.”
The Speaker further said, “On the day I took oath as Speaker, I also took oath as Acting President. If the office of the Speaker becomes vacant for any reason, the Deputy Speaker will perform the responsibilities of the Speaker.”
Wishing the outgoing President good health and well being, he said, “I believe that although he was elected during the rule of a mafia government, he always expressed support and respect for the government that has now been elected by the people’s vote.”
