President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Friday resigned from office, an official from his office said, ending days of intense political speculation over his future.
Assistant Private Secretary of the President, HM Sagar, confirmed the development to Daily Waadaa saying that the President submitted his resignation letter to Speaker of Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.
At the same time, the Speaker has called a press briefing following the receipt of President's resignation letter at the Parliament at 5 p.m. today (Friday).
According to a press release issued by the Assistant Director of the Public Relations Wing of the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat, the briefing will be held in the Oath Room of the National Parliament following the acceptance of the President’s resignation letter.
Speculation over Shahabuddin’s departure intensified after several media outlets, citing family sources, reported on the possibility.
According to multiple sources, Shahabuddin spoke by phone with former prime minister Sheikh Hasina during a medical visit to London in May. Hasina has been living in exile in India since July 2024. The president travelled to London on May 9 and returned on May 18.
A senior BNP leader, however, told The Daily Star newspaper that the reported phone conversation was not the sole reason behind the anticipated resignation, describing the circumstances as "more complex."
The leader said the political atmosphere had become increasingly sensitive after Hasina recently announced plans to return to Bangladesh in December.