1
Md. Shahabuddin has stepped down from the presidency almost two years before the end of his term, citing serious health reasons. His resignation marks the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s highest constitutional office. According to the constitution, Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed will serve as the acting president until a new president is elected. Concurrently, the Jatiya Sangsad must elect the country’s 23rd president within the next 90 days.
Md. Shahabuddin was sworn in as the 22nd President of Bangladesh on April 24, 2023. His five-year constitutional term was scheduled to end in April 2028. However, he resigned, citing long-standing physical complications and inability to perform his duties.
According to Article 54 of the Constitution, if the office of the President becomes vacant or if he is unable to perform his duties, the Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad shall perform the duties of the President until a new president assumes office. In accordance with this provision, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed is currently serving as the acting President.
Furthermore, Article 123(2) of the Constitution states that if the office of the President becomes vacant due to death, resignation, or removal, a new president must be elected within 90 days. The person elected by the votes of the Members of Parliament will assume office as the 23rd President of Bangladesh.
An Eventful Presidential Term
Md. Shahabuddin’s nearly three-year tenure was one of the most critical periods in the country’s recent political history. During his term, the Awami League government fell through the mass uprising of 2024. He then served as president in several crucial constitutional processes, including the formation of the interim government, state transformation, and the 13th national parliamentary election.
During this period, he also set a rare precedent in the country’s history by administering oaths to three different heads of government.
Upcoming Presidential Election
With the presidential office now vacant, discussions have begun in political circles regarding the election of a new president. Political analysts believe that the candidate nominated by the ruling BNP is more likely to be elected, given their majority in parliament.
According to Professor K. M. Mohiuddin of the Government and Politics Department at Jahangirnagar University, the president’s resignation might not only be due to health reasons but also significantly influenced by the current political reality. However, as per the constitution, the candidate who secures the majority votes in parliament will become the next president of the country.
Constitutional Duty in the Speaker’s Hands
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed will perform the highest constitutional duties of the state until the new president takes the oath of office. Once the election is completed in the Jatiya Sangsad within the next 90 days, Bangladesh’s 23rd president will assume office. This election is not merely a constitutional formality but is also considered a significant chapter in electing leadership to the highest office of the state amidst the country’s new political reality.