Speaker assumes duties of president

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has assumed the duties of the President after accepting the resignation letter of Md. Shahabuddin.

The Speaker announced the development at a press conference at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban at 5 pm Friday.

He said, “The President has resigned citing illness. I have accepted his resignation letter.”

Under the Constitution, as the office of the President has become vacant, the Speaker will perform the duties of the President until a new President assumes office.

According to Article 50(3) of the Constitution, the President may resign by submitting a signed letter addressed to the Speaker. Article 54 states that if the office of the President becomes vacant, or if the President is unable to perform the duties of the office due to absence, illness or any other reason, the Speaker will perform the duties of the President until a new President is elected.

Under Article 123(2) of the Constitution, if the office of the President becomes vacant due to death, resignation or removal, a new President must be elected within the next 90 days. According to Article 48(1) of the Constitution, the President is elected by the votes of the members of Parliament.