The 76-year-old announced his resignation on Friday, July 24, 2026, saying his decision was driven by deteriorating health. His resignation comes amid increasing calls from opposition parties for him to step down.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Shahabuddin said:
“Recent medical examinations have confirmed that I have a condition known as Autonomic Neuropathy. Because of this illness, there are times when I lose consciousness.”
According to the statement, Speaker of Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmed will serve as acting president until a new head of state is elected.
Bangladesh’s Constitution requires that a new president be elected within 90 days of the resignation.
In a letter addressed to Ahmed, Shahabuddin wrote:
“I am seriously ill… to the extent that I can no longer carry out my constitutional duties.”
Ahmed confirmed that he had accepted Shahabuddin’s resignation, according to the Associated Press.
The resignation comes amid media reports that Shahabuddin recently held a telephone conversation with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is living in exile in India. The call reportedly took place while Shahabuddin was receiving medical treatment in the United Kingdom in May.
