'Time will tell' who becomes Bangladesh's next president, law minister says

Asaduzzaman says there is no need for a special parliamentary session, with the constitutional deadline falling in October

As speculation swirls over Bangladesh's next president, Law Minister Asaduzzaman has urged patience.

Speaking after a human rights event on Saturday, he was asked who would succeed Mohammed Shahabuddin.

His reply was brief: "Time will tell."

The minister said he expected parliament to elect a new president at its next session.

Citing Article 123(2) of the Constitution, he said the election must be held within 90 days of the president's resignation, leaving time until Oct 24.

"There is no situation requiring a special session," he said, adding the next constitutionally mandated sitting should be enough.

Shahabuddin resigned on Friday, citing serious illness, after serving for 39 months.

Under Article 54, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad is serving as acting president until a successor takes office.

Asked about a case filed against the former president, the minister said any legal interpretation would be given "when necessary".

On whether Shahabuddin could be held responsible for deaths during the July Uprising while serving as president, he replied: "No, the president is protected."

He added that any allegations predating the presidency would be examined "when the time comes".