Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has resigned from office, citing worsening health.
The 76-year-old leader, popularly known as “Chuppu,” confirmed his resignation during a phone conversation with AFP on Friday, ending months of speculation about his future.
“Yes, I have resigned,” Shahabuddin said, without providing further details on the timing of his decision.
In a resignation letter addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, Shahabuddin said his declining physical and mental health had made it difficult for him to carry out his constitutional responsibilities.
Shahabuddin was elected president in 2023 with the support of the Awami League led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
His position came under pressure after a student-led uprising ousted Hasina’s government in 2024, with growing calls for him to leave office because of his close ties to the former prime minister.
He also faced allegations of maintaining phone contact with Hasina during her medical treatment in London in May, claims he repeatedly denied.
Before the resignation was confirmed, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed had said the government had not received formal notice, adding that the constitution required any resignation to be submitted to the Speaker of Parliament.
Shahabuddin’s departure marks the end of a presidency overshadowed by political upheaval, with attention now turning to the process of selecting Bangladesh’s next ceremonial head of state.
