Speaker returns early, says unaware of reports on President’s resignation

Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed returned to Bangladesh on Friday after cutting short his visit to Thailand, saying he was unaware of reports surrounding the possible resignation of President Md Shahabuddin.

Speaking to reporters after arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on a Thai Airways flight around 12:10 pm, the Speaker said he had been abroad for medical treatment and had no information about the reported developments.

“I was out of the country, so I do not know anything about the reports. I will learn the details now,” he said when asked about the President’s reported resignation.

Explaining his early return, Hafiz Uddin said his medical check-up had been completed ahead of schedule. He was originally due to return on July 26 after travelling to Bangkok on July 19.

Asked about the constitutional process if the President resigns, the Speaker said the resignation must be submitted to the Speaker, after which Parliament is required to elect a new President within 90 days.

He also noted that under the Constitution, the Speaker serves as Acting President if the presidency becomes vacant until a new President is elected.

Speculation over the President’s possible resignation intensified after reports of the Speaker’s early return from Thailand. However, Hafiz Uddin said he had no knowledge of the matter while abroad and declined to comment on speculation.

SKS