Acting President and Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Friday said former president Mohammed Shahabuddin had remained supportive of the current government despite being elected during the tenure of the Awami League administration.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Parliament after accepting Shahabuddin’s resignation, Hafiz Uddin said the outgoing president had consistently shown “support and respect” for the government formed through the people’s vote.
“Although he was elected during the tenure of the ‘mafia government’, he always expressed support and respect for the new government elected by the people,” the acting president said, while wishing Shahabuddin a speedy recovery.
Shahabuddin resigned from the presidency on Friday, citing serious health complications. His resignation letter was submitted to the speaker, who assumed the role of acting president under the Constitution.
Hafiz Uddin said the resignation had already been accepted and directed the Parliament Secretariat to preserve the letter in its official records and complete the necessary administrative procedures.
He said Shahabuddin had informed him in writing that he was suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney complications. The former president had also undergone bypass surgery.
According to the acting president, recent medical examinations diagnosed Shahabuddin with autonomic neuropathy, a neurological disorder that occasionally causes temporary loss of consciousness.
“Because of these illnesses and the resulting physical and mental incapacity, it has become impossible for him to continue performing the duties of the presidency. He now requires long-term medical treatment,” Hafiz Uddin said.
Explaining the constitutional process, the acting president said he had taken the oath to serve as acting president at the same time he was sworn in as speaker, allowing him to assume the responsibilities whenever required.
He added that the deputy speaker’s oath contains a similar constitutional provision, enabling the deputy speaker to perform the speaker’s duties if the office becomes vacant.
Addressing speculation surrounding the resignation, Hafiz Uddin said the decision was driven solely by Shahabuddin’s health condition.
“Various discussions have been taking place since this afternoon, but the fact is that he resigned because of his physical incapacity. I wish him good health and wellbeing,” he said.
