President may resign at any time

President Mohammed Shahabuddin may resign at any time. A reliable source at Bangabhaban confirmed to Agamir Somoy that he has made a ‘policy decision’ to step down due to health complications. There are also indications that the BNP government, which came to power with an overwhelming majority in the February 12 election, has given its ‘green signal’ for the decision.

A few months after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country on August 5, 2024, amid a massive student and public uprising, President Shahabuddin came under intense public scrutiny. Protesters demanded the resignation of the president, who had been appointed during the Awami League government. Demonstrators even marched to the gates of Bangabhaban. At the time, the BNP opposed his resignation in order to preserve ‘constitutional continuity.’ As a result, the caretaker government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus managed the state after containing the protests. Even after the BNP government took office on February 17, President Shahabuddin continued serving as head of state. Five months into the government’s tenure, the issue of his resignation has once again become a major topic of discussion.

A Bangabhaban official said in an interview on Wednesday afternoon that the president had made a policy decision to resign. He said, “The president may resign today, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, or on any day this month.” The official cited the president’s health as the reason. He said the president is suffering from neurological complications. He recently underwent MRI scans and several other medical examinations at the Combined Military Hospital. Doctors have advised him to seek advanced treatment abroad.

According to sources close to the president, Shahabuddin had been considering resignation from the first day the BNP government assumed office. After administering the oath to cabinet members at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on February 17, he informed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of his intention. The president told Tarique Rahman, “You have come to power with an overwhelming majority. It is only natural that you will elect your own president. I am also fully prepared to extend every possible cooperation in this regard.” Some senior BNP leaders claimed that the party did not develop any special relationship with the president after coming to power. They said he has simply continued carrying out his constitutional responsibilities.

There Will Be No Crisis if the President Resigns, Says Dr. Shahdeen Malik

Constitutional expert Dr. Shahdeen Malik told Agamir Somoy, “Under normal circumstances, if the president wishes to resign voluntarily, he may do so by submitting a signed resignation letter addressed to the Speaker. In that case, the Speaker will perform the duties of the president until a new president is elected. The Constitution clearly provides for this.”