Is president preparing to leave Bangabhaban?

Preparations are underway for President Mohammed Shahabuddin to move to his private residence in Gulshan, as multiple sources say he is expected to resign from office, citing health reasons, within the next one or two days.

According to several sources, Shahabuddin may submit his resignation letter to the speaker of parliament as early as Friday afternoon or within the next two days, in line with the Constitution.

Sources said arrangements for his relocation from Bangabhaban to his Gulshan residence have already begun.

Officials familiar with the matter said preparations related to the resignation at the President's Office are in their final stages and that the resignation letter has already been drafted.

Under the Constitution, the president must submit a written resignation to the speaker of parliament for it to take effect.

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Meanwhile, Speaker Major (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, who had been in Thailand for medical treatment, returned to Bangladesh on Friday ahead of schedule. Although the government has not officially explained why the visit was cut short, officials believe the decision may be linked to the anticipated resignation process.

Several Bangabhaban officials said Shahabuddin has, in principle, decided to step down. They also claimed that some officials appointed during his tenure have already started packing their personal belongings.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, one Bangabhaban official said the president verbally instructed subordinate officials a few days ago to vacate the presidential residence by the end of this month.

The official added that after moving to his Gulshan residence, Shahabuddin plans to travel abroad for medical treatment and rest.

Neither the government nor the President's Office has officially commented on the reported resignation or the planned relocation.

Under Article 54 of the Constitution, if the office of the president becomes vacant or the president is unable to perform his duties, the speaker of parliament will serve as acting president until a new president is elected.

Under Article 123(1), a new president must be elected within 90 days of the office becoming vacant.

Shahabuddin assumed office as Bangladesh's 22nd president in April 2023. During his tenure, he has on several occasions publicly indicated his willingness to step down before completing his term, most recently saying he would remain in office if the government wanted him to, but would resign voluntarily otherwise.

No official announcement has yet been made regarding his reported resignation or his move to the Gulshan residence.