Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has resigned from office, citing worsening health, bringing an early end to his tenure as the country’s ceremonial head of state.
Shahabuddin, 76, confirmed his resignation in a telephone conversation with AFP on Friday, amid widespread speculation that he intended to step down before his term expires in 2028.
“Yes, I have resigned,” Shahabuddin said when asked about reports of his planned exit. He did not provide further details.
In a resignation letter addressed to the Speaker of Parliament and seen by AFP, the president attributed his decision to his deteriorating physical and mental health.
“Due to worsening physical and mental incapacity… it is no longer possible for me to properly discharge the responsibilities of an important constitutional office such as the presidency,” the letter stated.
Widely known by his nickname “Chuppu,” Shahabuddin was elected president by Parliament in 2023 with the backing of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League.
His resignation came amid lingering political tensions following the 2024 student-led uprising that forced Hasina from office after years of increasingly authoritarian rule. Following her removal, pressure had mounted from various quarters for Shahabuddin, considered a close ally of the former premier, to resign as well.
Earlier in 2025r, Shahabuddin faced criticism after reports alleged that he spoke with Hasina by telephone while receiving medical treatment in London in May. The president denied the allegation.
Interestingly, just a day before the resignation was confirmed, Bangladesh’s Home Minister, Salahuddin Ahmed, had said the government was unaware of any resignation letter from the president.
Shahabuddin’s departure creates a vacancy in the presidency and marks another significant development in Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape as the country continues to navigate the aftermath of the dramatic leadership change that ended Hasina’s administration
