Dhaka, July 24 (V7N) — Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin is expected to formally resign on Friday, according to three reliable sources who spoke to Reuters.
The development comes amid heightened political tensions following reports that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile in India, has announced plans to return to Bangladesh and surrender.
In November last year, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia over allegations related to the deaths of around 1,400 people during the 2024 student-led mass uprising. Hasina has consistently denied the allegations, describing the charges as politically motivated.
Following reports of her planned return, public pressure reportedly intensified on the government led by newly appointed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to remove individuals holding key positions who were viewed as close associates of the previous administration.
Sources said 76-year-old President Mohammed Shahabuddin has already informed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of his intention to step down, with an official announcement expected on Friday.
If Shahabuddin resigns, National Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed may serve as acting president until a permanent successor is elected, according to sources.
Although the president is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, the role in Bangladesh is largely ceremonial. Executive authority rests primarily with the prime minister and the cabinet.
Shahabuddin was elected president in 2023 for a five-year term as the nominee of the then-ruling Awami League, winning the election unopposed.
In an interview with Reuters in December, Shahabuddin had indicated that he was considering stepping down after Tarique Rahman’s government came to power through the February election.
(Reporting based on information from Reuters sources.)
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