Bangladesh president likely to resign soon, sources claim

Bangladesh President Likely to Resign: Political Sources Confirm Imminent Departure

Bharatmorningnews.com – Political sources have confirmed that the Bangladesh president likely to resign soon, with Mohammad Shahabuddin expected to announce his departure from office in the coming days. This anticipated development would mark a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape, as Shahabuddin prepares to step down approximately two years before the conclusion of his scheduled five-year presidential term. The timing of this potential resignation has generated considerable discussion among political analysts and government officials alike.

Shahabuddin secured his position as president through election by the previous parliament, establishing himself as a stabilizing figure during a period of national transition. He remains the sole official still occupying a constitutional role following the turbulent student demonstrations that occurred during July and August of 2024. Those historic protests ultimately led to the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League administration, creating the current political vacuum that Shahabuddin has been navigating. The former prime minister departed for India on August 5, 2024, and has remained there since, adding complexity to the ongoing political situation.

Government Concerns Drive Resignation Timeline

A prominent figure within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which now governs under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, informed PTI that a resignation appears imminent, though no additional details were provided regarding the exact timing. The government’s growing unease with Shahabuddin’s continued presence has accelerated discussions about his potential departure.

“It is likely that he will resign soon,” stated the BNP source, confirming widespread speculation about the Bangladesh president likely to resign.

Media coverage regarding the potential departure has intensified over the last forty-eight hours, with multiple outlets reporting on the mounting pressure within the current administration. These reports indicate that Rahman’s administration has grown increasingly uncomfortable with Shahabuddin’s continued presence in the presidential palace, particularly given recent developments in Bangladesh’s political landscape.

According to Prothom Alo, a senior government official revealed that officials were displeased by news suggesting the president had attempted to reconnect with Hasina in recent weeks. This perceived outreach has raised concerns about potential political realignments that could affect the current government’s stability and direction.

Complex Political Dynamics Shape Outcome

The Daily Star reported that a BNP senior leader explained the situation extends beyond a single phone call between Shahabuddin and Hasina. The leader characterized the matter as “more complex,” noting that Bangladesh’s political landscape has grown increasingly delicate following Hasina’s declaration that she intends to return to the country. This potential return adds another layer of complexity to the question of whether the Bangladesh president likely to resign before or after Hasina’s homecoming.

While Bangladesh has expressed welcome for Hasina’s planned homecoming, officials have maintained that she must answer for her actions through legal proceedings. The timing of any presidential resignation could significantly impact how these legal processes unfold and how the political transition is managed.

On November 17, 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal delivered verdicts sentencing both Hasina and her cabinet’s home minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, to death. The trials were conducted in absentia, with the tribunal finding both individuals primarily responsible for suppressing what is now referred to as the ‘July Uprising.’ These developments have created additional pressure on all constitutional figures, including the president, to clarify their positions.

Constitutional Transition Process Underway

Shahabuddin, a veteran of the 1971 Liberation War and former judge in Bangladesh’s lower judiciary, was sworn into office in April 2023. His extensive legal and military background has made him a respected figure during this period of national transition, even as political tensions mount.

Under constitutional provisions, should the president step down, parliamentary Speaker Hafizuddin Ahmed will assume the role of interim head of state until fresh elections select a new president. This constitutional mechanism ensures continuity of government regardless of when the Bangladesh president likely to resign ultimately makes his decision.

The International Crimes Tribunal for Bangladesh was initially established in 2010 under Hasina’s leadership. Its original purpose centered on prosecuting individuals who collaborated with Pakistani forces during the 1971 Liberation War. Following Hasina’s departure, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus modified the tribunal’s legislation, allowing it to pursue charges of crimes against humanity against Awami League leaders and officials. These legal developments continue to shape the broader political context in which the presidential resignation is being considered.