Desk News 

Speaker of the National Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, has assumed the responsibilities of the Acting President after accepting the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, citing constitutional provisions and the outgoing president’s deteriorating health.

Speaking at a press conference held in the oath room of the National Parliament Bhaban on Friday afternoon, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said President Shahabuddin formally submitted his signed letter of resignation at 5:01 p.m. In accordance with Article 50(3) of the Constitution, the Speaker accepted the resignation and immediately assumed the duties of the President under Article 54.

“Under Article 50(3) of the Constitution, President Mohammed Shahabuddin submitted his signed letter of resignation to the Speaker at 5:01 p.m. on Friday. After accepting the resignation, I have assumed the responsibilities of the President in accordance with Article 54 of the Constitution,” the Speaker told reporters.

According to Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, the resignation letter cited a series of serious health complications that had rendered the President unable to continue performing his constitutional responsibilities. These included heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and kidney-related ailments, along with a recently diagnosed neurological condition.

The Speaker said Mohammed Shahabuddin had previously undergone coronary bypass surgery. More recent medical examinations revealed that he was suffering from autonomic neuropathy, a disorder that occasionally causes him to lose consciousness.

Quoting the contents of the resignation letter, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said the President acknowledged that his worsening physical condition had also affected his mental capacity, making it impossible for him to effectively discharge the duties of the office.

“Due to these physical complications and resulting mental incapacity, it has become impossible for him to discharge his constitutional responsibilities as President. He has, therefore, resigned as he requires long-term medical treatment,” the Speaker said.

Addressing questions surrounding the constitutional transition, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad emphasized that the country’s Constitution clearly outlines the process to be followed in such circumstances. He noted that when a Speaker takes the oath of office, it also authorizes the officeholder to assume the responsibilities of the Acting President whenever necessary.

He further explained that if the office of the Speaker were to become vacant during this period, the Deputy Speaker would carry out the duties of the Speaker in accordance with constitutional provisions, ensuring continuity in parliamentary functions.

The Speaker also sought to dispel public speculation surrounding the President’s resignation, stressing that the decision was based entirely on medical grounds rather than political considerations.

Responding to questions from journalists, he said the written resignation itself sufficiently explained the reasons behind the President’s decision and that no additional medical certification was required under the Constitution.

“A President can fall ill, and the resignation letter clearly explains the medical reasons behind the decision. In such a case, no additional medical certificate is required,” he said.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmad expressed hope that the official announcement would put an end to confusion, speculation and uncertainty surrounding the President’s departure from office.

He also underscored that Bangladesh’s constitutional framework ensures there is never a vacancy in the office of the President.

“As the Speaker of the National Parliament, I accepted the resignation and have accordingly begun discharging the responsibilities of the President,” he said.

The Speaker concluded by wishing Mohammed Shahabuddin a speedy recovery and good health as he prepares to undergo long-term medical treatment.

The press conference was attended by National Parliament Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal, and senior officials of the National Parliament Secretariat, who were present during the formal announcement of the constitutional transition.