The Speaker will perform the duties of the President until a new President is elected

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News Desk: President Mohammed Shahabuddin has resigned. As the office of the President is now vacant, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed will perform the duties of the President until a new President is elected and assumes office through the constitutional election process.

It was officially confirmed on Friday (July 24) afternoon that Mohammed Shahabuddin’s resignation letter had been submitted to the Speaker.

Under Article 50(3) of the Constitution, the President may resign by submitting a signed letter addressed to the Speaker. Article 54 states that if the office of President becomes vacant, or if the President is unable to perform his duties due to absence, illness, or any other reason, the Speaker shall perform the functions of the President until a new President is elected.

According to Article 123(2) of the Constitution, if the office of President becomes vacant due to death, resignation, or removal, a new President must be elected within 90 days. Under Article 48(1) of the Constitution, the President is elected by the votes of members of Parliament.

The ruling BNP holds a majority in Parliament. As a result, the party’s nominated candidate is likely to be elected as the next President. Discussions have reportedly been ongoing at the highest levels of the BNP for several days over whom to nominate as Mohammed Shahabuddin’s successor.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed returned to Dhaka from Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, at noon today. He had travelled to Bangkok on July 19 for medical treatment. Although he was scheduled to return next Sunday according to his itinerary, he returned to the country two days earlier than planned.