Hafiz's stance: Praised Shahabuddin's support for a true people's government

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed offered his personal evaluation following the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin. 

Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, who assumed the responsibilities of the Head of State under the Constitution, said, "In my view, although he [Mohammed Shahabuddin] was elected during the era of a mafia government, he has always shown respect and support for the government elected by the people's vote. I wish him well."

The Speaker returned home on Friday afternoon, cutting his foreign trip short amid swirling rumors of the President's resignation, before addressing the press conference at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban at 5:30PM.

He confirmed that President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned citing health reasons, and that the resignation letter was received in the afternoon. In accordance with the Constitution, the Speaker has now taken charge of the presidential duties.

Mohammed Shahabuddin became the 22nd President of the country uncontested on April 24, 2023, as the nominee of the Awami League government. Following the fall of the Awami League's fascist rule in the July 2024 student-led uprising, demands were raised for his removal, but he remained in office. His resignation comes five months after the BNP formed the government through general elections, leaving nearly a year and nine months remaining in his term.

Elaborating on the health grounds stated in the resignation letter, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said that under Article 50(3) of the Constitution, the President submitted his signed resignation letter to the Speaker at 5:01PM. The President detailed his reasons in writing, stating that severe physical illness rendered him unable to discharge his constitutional duties.

Sharing the medical details provided by the President, the Speaker stated that Shahabuddin suffers from heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney-related complications. He had previously undergone bypass surgery, and recent medical tests revealed he has developed 'autonomic neuropathy'- a condition that causes him to lose consciousness periodically.

"Due to the onset of multiple ailments along with physical and mental incapacitation, it is no longer possible for him to discharge the responsibilities of such a vital constitutional post. As long-term medical treatment is required, he decided to resign," the Speaker explained.

He added that the President's resignation has been accepted, recorded in the files of the Parliament Secretariat, and necessary administrative actions have been ordered.

Announcing his assumption of office under Article 54 of the Constitution following the vacancy, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed stated, "I have assumed the duties of the President." He added that when taking oath as Speaker, he had simultaneously taken the oath to discharge presidential duties if required.

The press conference was brief, with the Speaker taking only two questions from journalists.

Responding to a question regarding widespread rumors surrounding the resignation, he said, "After returning at noon, I heard various discussions taking place in Bangladesh today. However, it is clear that he resigned due to genuine physical incapacity. I wish him good health and well-being."

Answering another query, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed remarked, "The resignation of the President of Bangladesh is a significant event tied to the country's welfare. The President is a human being; he can fall ill. He disclosed his specific ailments and informed us in writing that he occasionally loses consciousness. There is no need for a doctor's certificate when he himself has stated it."

The Speaker emphasized that there should be no fog or confusion surrounding the resignation. "We hope this resignation clears all ambiguity. There should be no chaos, adverse sentiment, or confusion regarding this. Presidents have resigned for various reasons in the past. The President is an honored figure of the nation; he can step down. This seat never remains vacant, and I, as the Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, have accepted the resignation letter. This is the reality, and I hope all confusion ends here," he added.

-SA