Bangladesh's President Steps Down Amid Political Shift
WHO:
ABC News - Mohammed Shahabuddin, President of Bangladesh
ABC News - Sheikh Hasina, ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh
ABC News - Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia
ABC News - Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and interim leader
ABC News - Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Parliament Speaker
ABC News - National Citizen Party, political party formed by student leaders
ABC News - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, largest Islamist party in Bangladesh
WHAT:
ABC News - Shahabuddin's resignation was accepted by Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, who stated, “According to the Constitution, the president’s resignation becomes effective upon submission of a signed letter to the speaker.”
Al Jazeera - Shahabuddin's resignation comes amid rising demand from opposition parties for him to step down.
Al Jazeera - Shahabuddin stated, “I have nothing more to add at this moment” when asked about the reason for his resignation.
Al Jazeera - Shahabuddin, 76, cited health reasons for leaving two years before his five-year term was meant to expire, stating, “Recent medical examinations have diagnosed me with a condition known as Autonomic Neuropathy. Due to this condition, I occasionally experience momentary loss of consciousness.”
Al Jazeera - Shahabuddin's resignation letter stated, “I am seriously ill … therefore, I am unable to perform my duty of the constitutional post.”
Al Jazeera - A new president must be elected within the next 90 days according to the constitution.
ABC News - Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned as President of Bangladesh, citing medical reasons.
ABC News - Shahabuddin's resignation was accepted by Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.
ABC News - Shahabuddin was known to be a trusted follower of Hasina and faced opposition from student groups.
ABC News - A special tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia for ordering a crackdown on the uprising.
WHERE:
ABC News - Dhaka, Bangladesh
ABC News - London, where Shahabuddin visited for medical treatment
WHEN:
Al Jazeera - Shahabuddin traveled to London for medical treatment on May 9 and returned on May 18.
ABC News - Shahabuddin was sworn in as the 22nd president of Bangladesh on April 24, 2023.
ABC News - Hasina won a fourth consecutive term in January 2024.
ABC News - Hasina fled to India in August 2024.
ABC News - Hasina expressed her desire to return to Bangladesh in December.
WHY:
ABC News - Local media reported that Shahabuddin faced strong opposition from a student group that branded him a collaborator of Hasina and demanded his resignation and arrest.
ABC News - Local media reported that Shahabuddin had to resign under pressure from the current government as he allegedly talked to Hasina by phone during his medical visit in May.
ABC News - Shahabuddin resigned under pressure from the current government due to alleged communication with Hasina.
ABC News - Hasina's 15-year rule ended following an anti-government movement.
HOW:
Al Jazeera - The speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad will perform the duties of the president until a new one is elected.
ABC News - The president's resignation leads to the Parliament Speaker taking over the post on an interim basis until a new president is elected.
(UPDATED July 24, 2026 18:24 UTC)
Shahabuddin's resignation has been accepted by Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, who confirmed that it takes effect upon submission of a signed letter. This decision comes as opposition parties have been increasingly demanding his departure, with Shahabuddin stating, “I have nothing more to add at this moment” when questioned about his reasons for resigning. In the interim, the speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad will carry out the presidential duties until a new president is elected.
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(UPDATED July 24, 2026 17:27 UTC)
Shahabuddin has resigned from his position, citing health issues that include a condition known as Autonomic Neuropathy, which causes him to experience momentary loss of consciousness. In his resignation letter, he expressed that he is seriously ill and unable to fulfill his duties, prompting the need for a new president to be elected within the next 90 days as per the constitution. Reports indicate that his resignation came under pressure from the current government, following a phone conversation he had with Hasina during his medical treatment in London earlier this year.
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(UPDATED July 24, 2026 14:38 UTC)
Mohammed Shahabuddin has resigned as President of Bangladesh, citing medical reasons, and his resignation has been accepted by Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad. This development comes amid significant political turmoil, as Shahabuddin faced pressure due to alleged communications with ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was recently sentenced to death in absentia for her actions during an uprising. Following Shahabuddin's resignation, the Parliament Speaker will serve as interim president until a new leader is elected.