Speaker of the National Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmed on Friday confirmed that he had accepted President Mohammed Shahabuddin's letter of resignation.
President's Military Secretary Major General ASM Bahauddin delivered the signed resignation letter to the office of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed at the National Parliament at around 4:00pm on Friday.
"Under Article 50(3) of the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, President Mohammed Shahabuddin submitted his signed letter of resignation to me at 5:01pm on July 24. In accordance with Article 54 of the Constitution, I have assumed the responsibilities of the President. I have accepted the resignation letter and instructed the National Parliament Secretariat to place it on official record and undertake the necessary administrative procedures," Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said at a press briefing at 5:00pm.
Amid mounting speculation over the President's resignation, the Speaker had earlier cut short a personal visit to Thailand and returned to Bangladesh.
Explaining the reason for the president's resignation, the Speaker said it was only natural that the public would want to know why he had stepped down.
Reading from the president's written resignation letter, the Speaker said he had cited serious health complications as the reason for leaving office.
"He has been suffering from heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and kidney-related complications, and has previously undergone coronary bypass surgery," the Speaker said.
He added that the president had recently been diagnosed with autonomic neuropathy, a condition that causes intermittent loss of consciousness.
"The progression of these illnesses, coupled with his physical and mental incapacity, has made it impossible for him to discharge the responsibilities of the presidency, a high constitutional office. He requires long-term medical treatment. For these health reasons, he has resigned, and as Speaker of the National Parliament, I have accepted his resignation letter," the Speaker said.
Confirming the constitutional transition, the Speaker said he had already taken the oath as Acting President on the day he was sworn in as Speaker.
"When I took the oath as Speaker, I also took the oath as Acting President. The Constitution provides for this. The office of the President never remains vacant," he said.
Referring to the ongoing public debate surrounding the president's resignation, the Speaker said speculation had been rife across the country but stressed that the decision was made solely on health grounds.
"There has been a great deal of discussion across Bangladesh today. I heard many of these conversations as soon as I arrived on Friday afternoon. But the fact is that he resigned because of physical incapacity," the Speaker said.
Concluding the briefing, the Speaker wished the president a speedy recovery and acknowledged his support for the current administration.
"I wish him good health and a full recovery. Although he was elected during the tenure of the previous government, which has been described as a fascist regime, I believe he has consistently shown respect for and support toward the present government, which was elected by the people. I wish him all the best," the Speaker said.