Special Correspondent — President Mohammed Shahabuddin is expected to tender his resignation shortly, marking another major shift in Bangladesh’s top constitutional office following the country’s recent political transition.
Multiple reliable sources in the government and political circles confirm that health reasons are likely to be cited as the official ground for his stepping down.
According to insider sources, high-level messages have already been conveyed to the President from the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Meanwhile, discussions regarding his successor have gathered momentum at the highest levels of both the party and the administration.
Bangabhaban Signalling Departure
A source close to Bangabhaban indicated that the President himself has advised close subordinates to prepare for an imminent departure.
Reports suggest that following his resignation, President Shahabuddin plans to rest and potentially travel abroad for medical treatment.
The developments follow a turbulent post-uprising period. Sworn in on April 24, 2023, as the 22nd President of Bangladesh under the nomination of the previous Awami League government, his five-year term was originally set to run until April 2028.
Following the mass uprising in August 2024, student groups and various organizations demanded his removal. However, the interim administration led by Professor Muhammad Yunus took no immediate steps to replace him.
After the national election brought the BNP into office, the government initially chose a wait-and-see approach regarding the presidency before recently signaling its stance.
Constitutional Process and Potential Successors
Under Article 50(3) of the Constitution of Bangladesh, the President may resign by submitting a signed letter addressed to the Speaker.
In accordance with Article 54, if the presidency becomes vacant due to resignation, illness, or any other cause, the Speaker of Parliament will temporarily assume the duties of the President.
Article 123 dictates that a new president must be elected by Members of Parliament within 90 days.
Several prominent names are currently circulating for the country’s top office.
While senior BNP leaders such as Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and Abdul Moyeen Khan were initially mentioned in political circles, the name of a senior secretary currently serving on a contractual basis in a key government role has recently emerged as a strong candidate due to administrative experience and top-level trust.
Commenting on the speculation, senior BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain stated:
“I am completely unaware of this matter. If such a vacancy occurs, it is only natural that many names will be discussed.”
Strategic Importance for Upcoming Election
The selection of the next president carries substantial political weight, as the next general election is expected to take place during the new President’s tenure.
Party insiders emphasize that decision-makers are looking for a candidate capable of handling political pressures, navigating inter-party dynamics, and maintaining acceptability across government bodies and opposition groups.
If President Shahabuddin steps down, it will allow the ruling party to nominate a presidential candidate of its choice for the first time since coming to power, officially concluding a key chapter in the state’s political reshuffle.