President Shahabuddin Likely to Resign Soon
Key Points
President Mohammed Shahabuddin is likely to resign in the near future.
Physical illness is expected to be cited as the reason for his resignation.
The BNP's top leadership has reportedly conveyed a message requesting him to step down.
The government and the ruling party are discussing potential successors.
If the presidency becomes vacant, the Speaker of Parliament will serve as Acting President.
Under the Constitution, a new president must be elected within 90 days by members of parliament.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin is expected to resign from office soon, with physical illness likely to be cited as the official reason, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
Sources within the government and the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said the party's top leadership has already communicated to President Shahabuddin—who was elected during the Awami League administration—that it would prefer him to step down. At the same time, discussions have intensified over who could succeed him.
A source directly familiar with the communication, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed on Wednesday night that the president's resignation is considered highly likely in the coming days.
The BNP leadership is also deliberating over a suitable candidate for the country's highest constitutional office. While senior BNP leaders, including Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and Abdul Moyeen Khan, had previously been mentioned as possible contenders, attention has recently shifted to a senior secretary currently serving in a key government position on a contractual basis.
If President Shahabuddin resigns, the Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad will assume the responsibilities of Acting President, as stipulated in the Constitution, until a new president is elected by parliament.
The upcoming presidential appointment carries added political significance, as the next general election is expected to take place during the tenure of the new head of state.
Contacted on the matter, senior BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said he had no knowledge of any decision regarding the presidency.
"I am completely unaware of the matter. Naturally, if the office becomes vacant, many names will be discussed," he said.
As of Wednesday, neither Bangabhaban nor the government had issued any official statement regarding President Shahabuddin's reported resignation.
However, a source at Bangabhaban claimed the president has informally indicated to officials that he is preparing to leave the presidential residence. According to the source, he intends to take a period of rest after stepping down and may travel abroad for medical treatment.
Constitutional Provisions
Article 50(3) of the Constitution states that the president may resign by submitting a written resignation to the Speaker of Parliament.
Article 54 provides that if the office of president becomes vacant, or if the president is unable to perform his duties because of illness, absence or any other reason, the Speaker shall discharge the functions of the office until a new president is elected.
Under Article 123, a presidential election must be held within 90 days of a vacancy caused by resignation, death or removal. The president is elected by members of parliament, meaning the ruling BNP—holding a parliamentary majority—would be in a position to secure the election of its nominee.
Search for a Successor
Among the names currently under discussion is a senior secretary serving on contract in a key government position. Sources said his administrative experience and the confidence he enjoys within the government's top leadership have strengthened his prospects.
Nevertheless, party and government leaders are expected to hold further consultations before making a final decision.
Political strategists are also weighing the importance of selecting a president capable of overseeing constitutional responsibilities during the next parliamentary election. Administrative experience, political neutrality and institutional acceptability are said to be key considerations.
Shahabuddin's Presidency
Mohammed Shahabuddin was sworn in as Bangladesh's 22nd president on 24 April 2023 after being elected unopposed as the Awami League's nominee. His five-year term was scheduled to expire in April 2028.
Following the collapse of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024 amid a student-led mass uprising, President Shahabuddin remained in office during a critical period that included the dissolution of parliament and the formation of the interim government.
Student leaders involved in the July Movement later demanded his resignation, with several organisations staging demonstrations and surrounding Bangabhaban. However, the interim administration led by Professor Muhammad Yunus did not initiate any constitutional process to remove him.
After the BNP returned to power through the general election, the political affiliation of the president no longer aligned with that of the government. Despite continued speculation over his future, neither the government nor the BNP publicly called for his resignation until recently.
Past Controversies
President Shahabuddin's appointment generated debate even during the Awami League administration.
He served as a commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) between 2011 and 2016, a period during which allegations were raised against him. He later became vice-chairman of the board of Islami Bank and an adviser to NRB Global Bank—both of which were controlled at the time by the controversial S. Alam Group.
Before assuming the presidency, he resigned from Islami Bank and took the oath of office on 24 April 2023.
Political observers widely believed that his nomination was personally approved by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana. Critics at the time questioned his perceived closeness to the S. Alam Group.
According to political sources, the ruling BNP initially chose not to pursue his removal after taking office, preferring to see whether he would resign voluntarily. More recently, the party's position was formally conveyed to the president.
Should President Shahabuddin step down, it would represent another significant constitutional transition following the 2024 political upheaval and the subsequent general election. It would also give the BNP its first opportunity since returning to power to nominate and elect a president of its own choosing.
With the next parliamentary election expected to take place during the tenure of the incoming president, the selection of Bangladesh's next head of state is likely to remain a matter of considerable political interest.
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