Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal to act as Speaker of Parliament

Following Hafiz Uddin Ahmad's assumption of office as Acting President after Mohammed Shahabuddin's resignation, Barrister Kayser Kamal will perform the duties of the Speaker of the National Parliament.

The Acting President said this during a briefing at the Parliament this afternoon (Friday).

“When he takes the oath as Deputy Speaker, the oath includes a provision stating that if, for any reason, the Speaker’s position becomes vacant, the Deputy Speaker will carry out the responsibilities of the Speaker”, he said.

The Deputy Speaker himself also confirmed the development to Daily Waadaa.

Earlier, Hafiz said he had assumed the role of Acting President in accordance with Article 54 of the Constitution, following the resignation of Mohammed Shahabuddin from the office of the President.

He added Shahabuddin had informed him in writing that he was suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney complications, and had previously undergone bypass surgery.

"Recent medical examinations detected autonomic neuropathy. Because of this illness, he sometimes loses consciousness," Hafiz said.

Speculation over Shahabuddin’s resignation intensified after several media outlets, citing family sources, reported that he had been considering stepping down.

According to multiple sources, Shahabuddin spoke by telephone with ousted 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.