National Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad has assumed the charge as the Acting President of the country, he said.

"In accordance with Article 54 of the Constitution, I have assumed the responsibilities of the president", Hafiz Uddin said during a press briefing at the Parliament this afternoon (Friday).

The Speaker also said Mohammed Shahabuddin submitted his signed resignation letter today (Friday, July 24, 2026) at 5:01 pm.

"I have accepted the resignation letter", he said.

The National Parliament Secretariat has been instructed to preserve the resignation letter in its official records and take the necessary administrative steps.

The new President also wished Shahabuddin well, saying he was respectful to the newly elected government.

"Although he was elected during the Mafia government, he has always expressed support for and respect toward the current government, which was elected by the people", he said.

Hafiz Uddin said that Shahabuddin informed in writing that he is suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney complications. He has undergone bypass surgery on his heart.

"Recently, a health examination detected a condition called autonomic neuropathy. Due to this illness, he sometimes becomes unconscious", the Speaker added.

Earlier on Friday, Mohammed Shahabuddin submitted his reignation letter to the Speaker citing health reasons, ending days of intense political speculation over his future.

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 August 5, 2024. Shahabuddin travelled to London on May 9 and returned on May 18 this year.