President Shahabuddin expected to resign soon citing health reasons, sources say

President Mohammed Shahabuddin is set to resign in the coming weeks citing health reasons, according to sources familiar with the development.

​President Shahabuddin—who assumed office in April 2023 under the autocratic Sheikh Hasina-led government—was retained as the head of state following Hasina's resignation and the formation of the interim government in August 2024, despite mounting criticism from various political factions over his ties to the fascist administration.

Two senior officials confirmed that the President, popularly known as "Chuppu," is expected to step down later this month, officially citing failing health. The 74-year-old former district judge and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) commissioner recently traveled to London for medical treatment.

​However, political sensitivities around his tenure have escalated. A top intelligence source revealed that during his stay in London, Shahabuddin met with several leaders of the now-outlawed Awami League who are currently residing abroad.

​Tensions between the presidency and the interim government brewed for months amid speculation he could be sacked any moment.

Sources close to the Bangabhaban state that the President expressed frustration over being functionally sidelined, with limited official duties during the IG.

The reassignment and removal of several press officials from his office left him virtually incapacitated from issuing official public statements or managing presidential communications.

​Concurrently, several political parties and student organizations that spearheaded the July 2024 mass uprising have intensified their demands for his removal, labeling him a remaining symbol of the previous autocratic regime.

​Under constitutional procedure, should President Shahabuddin formally submit his resignation in the coming days, the Speaker of the National Parliament—or the designated constitutional authority—is expected to assume the role of Acting President.

​Following the resignation, the Election Commission will be tasked with announcing a schedule to elect a new President to serve as the chief of state for the Republic.