Hafiz Uddin lauds Shahabuddin's support for elected BNP govt

Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Friday said outgoing President Mohammed Shahabuddin had always shown "support and respect" for the BNP-led government despite having been elected during the Awami League's tenure.

Speaking at a press conference in the oath-taking room of the Jatiya Sangsad at 5:30pm, shortly after assuming office as acting President, Hafiz Uddin wished Shahabuddin good health and a speedy recovery after the latter resigned earlier in the day citing illness.

Announcing that he had received the President's resignation letter at 5:01pm, Hafiz Uddin said, "I have accepted the resignation letter and directed the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat to preserve the records and take the necessary administrative steps. I have assumed the responsibilities of the President in accordance with Article 54 of the Constitution."

Referring to Shahabuddin's tenure, he said, "Although he was elected during the tenure of the 'mafia government', he always expressed support and respect for the new government elected by the votes of the people. I wish him well."

The acting President said Shahabuddin had cited a series of serious health complications as the reason for stepping down.

"He is suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney complications. He has undergone heart bypass surgery, and a recent medical examination diagnosed him with autonomic neuropathy. Due to this illness, he occasionally loses consciousness," Hafiz Uddin said, quoting from the resignation letter.

He said the former President had informed him that his deteriorating physical condition had made it increasingly difficult to discharge the constitutional responsibilities of the office and that he required long-term medical treatment.

Explaining the constitutional process following the resignation, Hafiz Uddin said he had automatically assumed the responsibilities of acting President under Article 54 of the Constitution.

"On the day I took oath as Speaker, I also took oath as the acting President. Likewise, when the Deputy Speaker took oath, it was stated that if the Speaker's office becomes vacant for any reason, the Deputy Speaker would perform the Speaker's duties," he said.

He added that the constitutional arrangement ensures continuity in the office of the President until a new head of state is elected.

The press conference was held shortly after Shahabuddin formally resigned from office, ending his tenure more than two years before it was due to expire in April 2028.