President Mohammed Shahabuddin has resigned from his post, ending weeks of widespread speculation. The resignation was formally accepted on Friday afternoon by the Speaker of Jatiya Sangsad, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, who will now serve as the Acting President.
In his resignation letter, the president cited physical ailments and the necessity for long-term medical treatment as the primary reasons for stepping down, with approximately one year and nine months of his term still remaining.
Despite his early departure, the former head of state remains eligible for various lifelong benefits under ‘The President’s Pension, Gratuity and Other Privileges Act, 2016’.
According to this legislation, any individual who completes their term or resigns after serving at least six months is entitled to state-funded facilities. This includes a monthly pension calculated at 75 per cent of their last basic salary.
Based on a monthly basic salary of Tk1.20 lakh, the pension amount is set at Tk90,000. If the individual is already receiving a pension from a previous government role, they are permitted to choose whichever pension they prefer.
Former presidents may also choose a one-time gratuity instead of a monthly allowance, provided they inform the relevant authorities within one month of their retirement.
Should a former president pass away without making this choice, the law assumes they opted for the gratuity, which then becomes payable to their nominated heirs or legal successors—including spouses, parents, or children—for the duration of their lives.
Additionally, the state provides former presidents with institutional support in the form of a Personal Assistant and an Attendant to assist with both official and private matters, with the government covering the associated costs.
The former head of state is also entitled to the same medical facilities as a Cabinet Minister. Further privileges include a diplomatic passport, a residential telephone connection with prescribed bill waivers, and rent-free accommodation at government Circuit Houses or Rest Houses during domestic travel.
The Act also allows for the use of government vehicles when attending state functions.
However, these privileges are subject to certain legal restrictions and can be revoked. The 2016 Act stipulates that benefits will be suspended if a former president takes up another office or position of profit that draws a salary from the consolidated fund.
Moreover, an individual is disqualified from receiving these benefits if they are convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude by a competent court, or if the Supreme Court declares that they assumed the presidency through unconstitutional or illegal means.
