New Acting President
Bangladesh’s Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad assumed the duties of acting president on Friday after Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned nearly two years before the end of his term.
Shahabuddin was the last senior official linked to the Awami League and the government of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina still holding high office.
Footage shows officials arriving to congratulate Ahmad and shaking hands with him. Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal, Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam and Attorney General Ruhul Quddus Kazal were among those who presented him with floral bouquets.
Constitutional Transition Begins
Under Bangladesh’s constitution, the speaker performs the president’s duties when the office becomes vacant. Parliament must elect a replacement within 90 days.
Shahabuddin submitted his resignation to Ahmad on Friday, citing serious health complications and saying he could no longer carry out his constitutional duties.
The presidency is largely ceremonial, although the head of state holds certain responsibilities, including certain judicial and official Appointments, as well as serving as commander-in-chief of the country’s armed forces.
Political Shift Continues
Shahabuddin was elected under Hasina’s government and sworn in as Bangladesh’s 22nd president in April 2023. He remained in office after a student-led uprising forced Hasina to resign and flee to India in August 2024.
His departure marks another shift for Bangladesh’s political institutions following the uprising. An interim administration led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus governed for 18 months before Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government took office following elections in February 2026.
Bangladesh PM Office, via Viory.Video
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