President Shahabuddin Expected to Resign Soon: Sources

President Mohammed Shahabuddin is expected to resign in the near future, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter, though no official confirmation has been issued.

Sources said discussions over his possible departure have intensified in recent weeks. Shahabuddin, who took office in April 2023, is the last remaining holder of a key constitutional position appointed before the July 2024 mass uprising.

According to the sources, Shahabuddin spoke by phone with former prime minister Sheikh Hasina while receiving medical treatment in London in May. Hasina has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh in July 2024. The president travelled to London on 9 May and returned on 18 May.

The sources alleged that intelligence agencies later became aware of the conversation, after which the president was reportedly advised to consider stepping down. However, a senior BNP leader said the reported phone call was not the only factor behind the expected resignation, describing the situation as "more complex."

The BNP leader also said the political climate became more sensitive after Hasina recently announced her intention to return to Bangladesh in December.

Another senior BNP leader said the president's expected resignation would signal that the government is closely monitoring political developments and is prepared to act against any activities that could threaten law and order.

Sources said no final decision has been made on when Shahabuddin might resign or who could succeed him.

Shahabuddin was sworn in as Bangladesh's 22nd president on 24 April 2023.

A senior government source described his possible departure as a natural course of events, saying it was only a matter of time before he left office.

A source close to Bangabhaban also suggested that a decision could come soon, indicating it may be announced within the next day or two.

The source added that the president is scheduled to meet the non-resident ambassadors of four countries on 29 July, although it remains uncertain whether the meeting will go ahead if he resigns beforehand.

Neither Bangabhaban nor the government has officially confirmed the reports regarding the president's possible resignation.