President Mohammed Shahabuddin is set to resign today, according to a highly placed source who confirmed the development to Daily Waadaa.
Representatives from Bangabhaban are expected to visit the Jatiya Sangsad later in the day to hand over the president's resignation letter to the speaker, two Bangabhaban sources said. The letter is likely to be delivered by the evening.
Speculation over Shahabuddin's departure intensified after several media outlets, citing family sources. Reuters reported on Thursday that the president had decided to resign and had informed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of his decision, citing two sources familiar with the matter.
A third Reuters source said Shahabuddin conveyed his decision to the prime minister on Tuesday and could make a formal announcement today.
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.
On July 10, Reuters reported that Hasina, who faces a death sentence in Bangladesh and whose party's activities have been banned, said she and several senior Awami League leaders intended to return from exile in India around December and surrender to the authorities.