Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigns over illness
Parliament speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad takes over as acting president until lawmakers choose a successor.
Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned on Friday, July 24, 2026, citing worsening health. In a letter to Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, he wrote that he was no longer able to carry out the duties of the constitutional post because of declining physical and mental capacity. Hafiz said the letter was received at 17.01 local time and he immediately assumed presidential duties under Article 54 of the Bangladesh Constitution until parliament selects a new head of state. Shahabuddin, 76, was sworn in in April 2023 with backing from Awami League and was due to serve until 2028. His resignation also comes amid political pressure over his ties to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina following the 2024 political unrest.