DHAKA: Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned on Friday, citing health reasons, ending his tenure more than two years before it was due to expire in 2028.
In a statement released through his press secretary, the 76-year-old said recent medical examinations had diagnosed him with Autonomic Neuropathy, a condition that occasionally causes him to lose consciousness.
“Recent medical examinations have diagnosed me with a condition known as Autonomic Neuropathy. Due to this condition, I occasionally experience momentary loss of consciousness,” Shahabuddin said.
In a separate resignation letter addressed to Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Shahabuddin said he was no longer able to fulfil the responsibilities of the presidency because of his deteriorating health.
“I am seriously ill … therefore, I am unable to perform my duty of the constitutional post,” he wrote.
The Speaker accepted the resignation, according to the Associated Press. Under Bangladesh’s Constitution, the president’s resignation takes effect upon submission of a signed letter to the Speaker of Parliament.
Presidential spokesperson Sarwar Alam said Hafiz Uddin Ahmed would perform the duties of the president until a new head of state is elected. The Constitution requires a new president to be elected within 90 days.
Shahabuddin assumed office in April 2023 after being elected president by parliament. His five-year term had been scheduled to run until 2028.
His resignation comes amid recent media reports alleging that he held a telephone conversation with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is living in India, during his visit to the United Kingdom for medical treatment in May. Dhaka-based The Daily Star reported the claim, which Shahabuddin has denied.
Speaking to the newspaper, Shahabuddin reiterated that his resignation was solely due to his health.
“I am suffering from various health complications,” he said. “I have nothing more to add at this moment.”
Shahabuddin travelled to London on May 9 for medical treatment and returned to Bangladesh on May 18.
