President Resigns Citing Physical and Mental Incapacity

Bangladesh's 22nd President, Mohammad Shahabuddin, has resigned from office, citing physical and mental incapacity. He submitted his resignation letter to Speaker of the National Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmed (Bir Bikram).

The Speaker disclosed the information during a press conference held at the Parliament Secretariat on Friday (July 24).

Speaking at the briefing, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said, "At 5:01 p.m. today, I received President Mohammad Shahabuddin's signed resignation letter. As Speaker, I have accepted the resignation. Consequently, in accordance with Article 54 of the Constitution, I have assumed the responsibilities of the President."

The Speaker further explained that when he took the oath as Speaker, he also took the oath to serve as Acting President if necessary. Likewise, the Deputy Speaker takes an oath to assume the Speaker's responsibilities should the position become vacant. He noted that these provisions are part of the official oath of office.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmed added that President Shahabuddin resigned due to physical and mental incapacity. "I wish him good health and well-being. Although he was elected during the tenure of the previous government, I believe he consistently expressed support for and respect toward the current democratically elected government. I wish him all the best," he said.