President Sahabuddin Resigns Due to Health; Speaker Hafiz Uddin Becomes Acting President

President Mohammed Sahabuddin has resigned from his post, citing significant health issues. The Speaker of the National Parliament, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad (Bir Bikram), has assumed the responsibilities of Acting President, as per constitutional provisions. Speaker Ahmad announced this development during a press conference at the National Parliament Secretariat on Friday afternoon. He stated that President Sahabuddin submitted his signed resignation letter at 5:01 PM on Friday, citing Article 50(3) of the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. Following the acceptance of the resignation, Speaker Ahmad assumed the presidential duties under Article 54 of the Constitution. The resignation letter has been recorded, and necessary administrative actions have been ordered. In his resignation, President Sahabuddin detailed his severe illnesses, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney complications. He has undergone bypass surgery and was recently diagnosed with autonomic neuropathy, a condition causing occasional unconsciousness. These complex health challenges and resulting mental incapacity have made it impossible for him to perform his constitutional duties, necessitating his resignation for long-term treatment. Speaker Ahmad clarified that the presidential post is never vacant and that he, as Speaker, has accepted the resignation and begun acting as President. He also mentioned that the oath for Acting President is implicitly taken upon becoming Speaker, and the Deputy Speaker would assume the Speaker's role if the position becomes vacant. Addressing concerns, Speaker Ahmad confirmed that the resignation is solely for health reasons, as stated in writing by the former president, and no additional medical certificates are required. He expressed hope that this clarifies any ambiguity or uncertainty surrounding the matter. Chief Whip Mohammed Nurul Islam, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaisar Kamal, and senior officials of the Parliament Secretariat were present during the announcement.