Bangladesh could elect a new president in September as the government aims to complete the process during the next session of the National Parliament following the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
Under the Constitution, a new president must be elected within 90 days of the office becoming vacant, requiring the election to be completed by October 24.
Speaking to journalists after a consultation meeting on human rights violations and justice for victims at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman said: “According to Article 123(2) of the Constitution, a new president must be elected within 90 days of the resignation of the president. Since the resignation letter was submitted on July 24, there is a constitutional obligation to complete the election by October 24.”
He said there was no need to convene a special session of the parliament.
“The situation has not yet arisen to call a special session of parliament. There is a constitutional requirement to hold the next parliamentary session within 60 days from July 15. I hope it will be possible to complete the presidential election during that session,” he said.
The law minister added that the election process would be completed within the constitutional deadline.
Asked about cases filed against former president Mohammed Shahabuddin, Md Asaduzzaman said it was too early to comment.
“In cases where legal interpretation is required, the issue will be examined at the appropriate time. It would be premature to say anything about it right now,” he said.
On the constitutional immunity enjoyed by the president, he said: “The president has protection under the law. We will review and examine the matter. It will be addressed when the time comes.”
Shahabuddin may leave Bangabhaban on Sunday or Monday
An official at Bangabhaban said former president Mohammed Shahabuddin may leave the presidential residence on Sunday or, at the latest, Monday.
According to the official, he will move to his residence, Green Villa, in Gulshan-1, Dhaka. Preparations have been completed, with the president’s personal wing overseeing the arrangements.
The official said a new telephone connection, security measures and other necessary infrastructure have already been put in place at the residence.
Mohammed Shahabuddin submitted his resignation letter to the speaker of the National Parliament on Friday, citing physical illness and the need for long-term medical treatment.
He assumed office as Bangladesh’s 22nd president on April 24, 2023, during the Awami League government. Following political changes after the July-August student-public movement, demands for his resignation continued for months before he stepped down with nearly 2 years remaining in his term.
Following the vacancy, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed assumed the responsibilities of acting president in accordance with the Constitution.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, he said official duties would be carried out from Bangabhaban as required, while he would continue residing at the speaker’s official residence inside the National Parliament complex.
Security has been strengthened around the speaker’s residence and adjoining areas under the presidential security protocol.
As part of his first official engagements as acting president, he is scheduled to pay tribute to the martyrs at the National Memorial in Savar on Sunday morning. Later, he is expected to visit the graves of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar to offer prayers.
Meanwhile, responding to a question about the next president, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said no final decision had been made.
Speaking to journalists at an event in Bogra, he said: “A decision on who will be nominated for the presidency will be taken at the appropriate time after discussions within the party forum.”
He added that the nomination would be decided by the party and announced officially when the time comes.
