Dbarta24 Report – Former Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin is scheduled to officially vacate the presidential palace, Bangabhaban, on Sunday.
Following his departure, the former head of state will relocate with his family to his private residence in the capital’s Gulshan area before traveling abroad for advanced medical treatment.
Speaking directly to the media on Saturday, Mohammed Shahabuddin confirmed his immediate plans. “I am planning to travel to either Singapore or Bangkok for medical reasons,” he stated.
Doctors at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) have recommended urgent specialized treatment overseas due to complex health issues. He added that his wife, Rebecca Sultana, is also unwell and will accompany him for medical care.
Health Complications Prompt Resignation
Mohammed Shahabuddin officially resigned from the presidency on Friday, citing deteriorating health conditions.
His resignation letter detailed a battle with multiple chronic ailments, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney complications.
Furthermore, following a recent bypass surgery, he was diagnosed with Autonomic Neuropathy—a complex neurological disorder that causes occasional, temporary loss of consciousness.
Preparations for the relocation had been underway for several days, with personal belongings systematically moved to the fully renovated Gulshan residence. Shahabuddin had taken office as the 22nd President of Bangladesh on April 24, 2023.
Acting President Assumes Duties
In accordance with the constitution, National Parliament Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has assumed the role of Acting President until a successor is elected.
While Acting President Ahmed will officially work out of Bangabhaban, he has chosen to continue residing at his official Speaker’s residence.
High-level security protocols managed by the Special Security Force (SSF) were implemented around the Speaker’s parliament-area residence immediately following the transition of power on Friday.
The Acting President is scheduled to pay tributes at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar and the mausoleums of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on Sunday.
Political Directives on Choosing the Next President
The resignation has triggered immediate political discussions regarding the appointment of the next head of state. Under constitutional mandates, a new president must be elected within 90 days of the office falling vacant.
Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman clarified the timeline during an event at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka. “The national parliament will go into session within the next 60 days. We anticipate that the election of the next president will be resolved during the upcoming session, meaning there is currently no necessity to call a special parliamentary session,” Asaduzzaman stated.
Concurrently, leadership within the ruling political sphere is deliberating on the nomination. Senior leaders, including Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, alongside Senior Joint Secretary General and Political Advisor to the Prime Minister Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, stated that the party’s highest policy-making forum—the Standing Committee—will determine the nominee in compliance with constitutional frameworks.
Addressing speculation surrounding the sudden resignation, Environment Minister and BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo remarked to journalists, “A president has the constitutional right to resign. I do not see political motives behind this decision; it appears strictly related to his ongoing health struggles.”