Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigns from the largely ceremonial post, about halfway through his five-year term, citing serious health problems. Multiple outlets report that the 76-year-old submits his resignation letter to the Speaker of Parliament under the constitution, with his term scheduled to end in April 2028. In the resignation, he cites medical conditions including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and kidney complications, and references prior bypass surgery and a recent diagnosis of autonomic neuropathy that has caused episodes of unconsciousness. His press secretary also says his deteriorating health prevents him from carrying out constitutional responsibilities and that he needs ongoing treatment and rest.
News organizations also link the timing of the resignation to heightened political uncertainty surrounding the planned return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is living in exile in India and is reported to plan a return in December after a war crimes conviction. Several reports say Shahabuddin has been seen as a former ally of Hasina, and that the current government may have urged him to step down because of that association. Under the constitution, the Speaker is expected to serve as acting president until a successor is elected.
