Bangladesh President Shahabuddin set to resign amid political pressure
Bangladesh is bracing for fresh political uncertainty as President Mohammed Shahabuddin is expected to resign today, July 24, halfway through his term. The move follows mounting pressure from the government of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, which has grown uneasy over the president's ties to former leader Sheikh Hasina.
Shahabuddin, a veteran of the 1971 Liberation War and a former lower judiciary judge, became president in April 2023 after being elected by the then Awami League-dominated parliament. He is one of the few remaining figures from the previous constitutional setup still in office.
Why is Shahabuddin resigning?
Sources indicate that while Shahabuddin will cite illness as the official reason for stepping down, the real cause is his close relationship with Hasina. Hasina, who was ousted in 2024 after student-led protests turned deadly, recently told Reuters she plans to return to Bangladesh from exile in India this December. She faces a death sentence for her role in the crackdown.
According to a report in Prothom Alo, the government was unhappy after learning that Shahabuddin had attempted to re-establish contact with Hasina while he was in London in May. Intelligence agencies later discovered the conversation, and a message was conveyed to the president suggesting he step down.
A member of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) told reporters that Shahabuddin's contact with Hasina is not the only factor. The government wants to send a clear message that it will not tolerate activities that could destabilise law and order, especially ahead of Hasina's planned return.
What happens next?
Shahabuddin is expected to tender his resignation to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, who returned from medical treatment in Thailand on Friday. Under Bangladeshi law, the president can resign by submitting a letter addressed to the Speaker.
Article 123 of the constitution requires that a new president be elected within 90 days if the office falls vacant due to resignation, death, or removal. Since the BNP holds a majority in parliament, its candidate is likely to win. Potential successors include senior BNP leaders Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and Abdul Moin Khan.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed remained evasive when asked about the speculation. 'If the president wants to resign constitutionally or for any reason due to health reasons, he has that option; but we do not know,' he told reporters.
What does this mean for Bangladesh's political landscape?
Shahabuddin's resignation removes the last remaining link to the Hasina era from the constitutional framework. It also signals that the BNP-led government is consolidating control and taking a firm stance against any potential destabilisation linked to Hasina's planned return.
Analysts say the move could deepen political divisions in Bangladesh, where the Awami League has been banned and its leaders face legal action. The coming months will test the stability of the Yunus-led interim government and the broader democratic process in the country.
FAQ
Will Shahabuddin's resignation trigger a constitutional crisis?
Not immediately. The constitution provides a clear process for electing a new president within 90 days. However, the political tensions surrounding the resignation could fuel instability.
What role does Sheikh Hasina play in this?
Hasina's plan to return to Bangladesh in December has heightened government concerns. Her continued influence among Awami League supporters and her contact with Shahabuddin are seen as potential threats to the current government's authority.
How will the international community react?
Given Australia's support for democratic processes and multilateralism, Canberra is likely to call for a peaceful and constitutional resolution. The United States and other allies may also monitor the situation closely, given Bangladesh's strategic location in the Indo-Pacific.