Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has resigned citing serious health problems, according to his office, in a significant development for the country’s fragile political transition.
The 76-year-old, a former ally of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, announced his decision in a letter addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad. In the letter he said he was suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney complications, and that medical tests had detected a condition known as autonomic neuropathy that causes him to briefly lose consciousness, Al Jazeera reported.
Shahabuddin was elected to the largely ceremonial presidency by parliament in 2023. His resignation comes well before his term was due to expire in April 2028. Under Bangladesh’s constitutional arrangements, he will continue to carry out presidential duties until a successor is chosen, with a new head of state expected to be elected within 90 days.
His departure adds to the uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s governance since the political upheaval that removed Hasina from power and ushered in an interim administration. Shahabuddin had remained in the post through that turbulent period despite pressure over his close association with the former ruling party.
The change at the top of the Bangladeshi state is being closely watched across South Asia, including in Sri Lanka, given Dhaka’s role in regional diplomacy and trade. Officials in Dhaka said arrangements for electing a new president would be announced in due course.
