Home minister says only president can answer resignation speculation

He says the government has taken no steps over the matter

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said President Mohammed Shahabuddin is constitutionally free to resign if he wishes.

Speaking about the mounting speculation that the president may step down on Thursday, Salahuddin insisted the government has taken no steps over the matter.

"If the president wants to resign for health reasons or any other reason under the Constitution, that option is available to him. We really don't know."

Dismissing suggestions of government involvement, he said: "The government has nothing to say on this. You are reading it in newspapers. If it actually happens, we will see."

When asked about the rumours, he replied: "You said it yourself -- it's a rumour. A rumour is just that."

Pressed on whether Shahabuddin was considering resignation over health concerns, the minister said: "You will have to ask him."

The speculation began on Wednesday after exiled journalist Zulkarnain Saer claimed on Facebook that the president would resign within days, citing health reasons, and suggested Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani was among those being considered as his successor.

Neither Bangabhaban nor the government has issued an official statement.

A person close to the president, however, told bdnews24.com Shahabuddin may soon write to the parliamentary speaker and could raise the issue of resignation.

Elected unopposed in 2023, Shahabuddin's term runs until April 2028 unless he resigns earlier.