Bangladesh's President, Mohammed Shahabuddin, has resigned from office, citing deteriorating physical and mental health, bringing an early end to his tenure that was due to expire in 2028.
Shahabuddin confirmed his decision in a telephone conversation with AFP on Friday after widespread speculation that he was preparing to step down.
"Yes, I have resigned," the 76-year-old president said, without providing further details.
According to a resignation letter addressed to the Speaker of Parliament and seen by AFP, Shahabuddin said his worsening health had made it impossible for him to continue carrying out the constitutional responsibilities of the office.
"Due to worsening physical and mental incapacity... it is no longer possible for me to properly discharge the responsibilities of an important constitutional office such as the presidency," the letter stated.
Popularly known as "Chuppu", Shahabuddin was elected president by Parliament in 2023 with the backing of the Awami League led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Although the presidency in Bangladesh is largely ceremonial, pressure had mounted on Shahabuddin to resign following the student-led uprising that forced Hasina from office in 2024.
The president also came under scrutiny earlier this year after reports alleged that he held a telephone conversation with Hasina while receiving medical treatment in London in May. Shahabuddin denied the allegation.
Just a day before the resignation was confirmed, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party said the government had not received any formal notification of the president's intention to step down.
Ahmed had noted that, under the country's constitution, any resignation by the president must be submitted to the Speaker of Parliament.
Shahabuddin's departure now sets the stage for the constitutional process to fill the vacancy in Bangladesh's highest office.
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