Former president Sahabuddin unwell, rules out overseas trip for now

Former president Mohammed Shahabuddin is unwell and has been experiencing numbness in his legs, which has limited his mobility.

Speaking to Bangladesh Pratidin on Sunday, Shahabuddin said he had no plans to travel abroad in the near future due to his health condition.

“I have difficulty walking now. Because of numbness in my legs, my movement is limited. So I am not planning to go anywhere for the time being,” he said.

Shahabuddin said he is receiving regular treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and also consults specialist doctors at his Gulshan residence when necessary. He said any decision to seek treatment abroad would depend on his doctors’ advice.

He resigned as president on July 24, citing physical illness and the need for long-term treatment. He left Bangabhaban two days later and moved to his Gulshan residence with his family.

Following his resignation, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has been serving as acting president in accordance with the Constitution.

The Election Commission has scheduled the presidential election for August 20. It declared the nomination papers of two candidates valid on Sunday, while August 18 is the deadline for withdrawal of candidacies.

Shahabuddin became Bangladesh’s 22nd president on April 24, 2023, during the Awami League government.

SKS