President Mohammad Shahabuddin resigns citing health issues, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad assumes acting role
President Md. Shahabuddin has resigned from office, citing severe health complications that render him unable to fulfill his constitutional duties. Following the formal submission of his resignation, Speaker of the National Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has assumed the role of acting president, as mandated by the constitution.
The transition was announced Friday afternoon during a press briefing held at the Parliament Secretariat. According to the Speaker, President Shahabuddin submitted his signed resignation at 5:01 p.m., triggering the activation of Article 54 of the Constitution, which facilitates the immediate succession of the Speaker to the presidential office.
In his resignation letter, the former president detailed a deteriorating medical condition, noting that he suffers from heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney issues. Having previously undergone bypass surgery, he was recently diagnosed with autonomic neuropathy, a condition that frequently leads to loss of consciousness. Citing both the physical and mental toll of these ailments, he determined that he could no longer perform his official functions and required long-term medical care.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed confirmed that the resignation has been recorded by the Parliament Secretariat for necessary administrative action. Addressing public speculation surrounding the departure, the new acting president emphasized that the resignation was motivated exclusively by health concerns and expressed his well-wishes for the former president’s recovery.
Responding to inquiries regarding the lack of additional medical certificates, the Speaker maintained that the president’s written declaration regarding his health is sufficient under the constitutional framework. He expressed hope that the formal handover of responsibilities would effectively resolve ongoing public confusion and uncertainty regarding the stability of the executive office.
The Speaker underscored that the office of the presidency remains occupied, as the constitutional mechanism for succession ensures no vacuum of power. The announcement was attended by Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal, and several senior officials from the Parliament Secretariat.
