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Published : 24 Jul 2026, 07:42 PM
Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad has said outgoing head of state Mohammed Shahabuddin always showed “support and respect” for the BNP-led government, despite being appointed during the Awami League's rule.
Rumours of Shahabuddin's resignation first surfaced on Jul 22.
He formally submitted his resignation on Friday, citing “serious” health problems.
Speaking at an emergency briefing after accepting Shahabuddin's resignation, Hafiz said the resignation letter listed heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney complications, a previous bypass surgery and a recent diagnosis of autonomic neuropathy, which causes intermittent loss of consciousness.
Hafiz added that he had accepted the resignation and, under the oath he took as speaker, had now assumed the president's constitutional duties.
The deputy speaker will discharge the speaker's responsibilities during the transition.
Wishing Shahabuddin a speedy recovery, Hafiz said: "Although he was elected during the mafia government's tenure, he always showed support and respect for the present government elected by the people's vote."
Asked whether Shahabuddin had submitted any medical certificates, Hafiz replied that the president had personally detailed his illnesses in writing and that "no doctor's certificate was necessary".
Calling the resignation a significant national event, he said presidents, like anyone else, could fall ill and that previous heads of state had also resigned for different reasons.
Hafiz expressed hope the resignation would end all confusion and urged against any disorder or adverse reaction.
Asked about National Citizen Party Convenor Nahid Islam's demand for Shahabuddin's arrest, he said: "I have no comment."
Under the Constitution, parliament must elect a new president within 90 days, while the speaker serves as acting president until then.
Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal and Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam congratulated Hafiz Uddin after he assumed the constitutional responsibilities of acting president.
Attorney General Ruhul Quddus Kazal and Parliament Secretariat Secretary Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan also presented him with wreaths, while the Parliament Secretariat wished him success and good health in his new role.
