Speaker’s return fuels talks over possible presidential resignation

Bangla Press Desk:  Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad is returning home on Friday after cutting short his visit to Bangkok amid growing speculation about the possible resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

A source at the Parliament Secretariat confirmed the matter to the media on Thursday.

According to the source, the speaker is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 12:10pm on a Thai Airways flight.

On 19 July, Speaker Hafiz Uddin travelled to Bangkok for medical treatment. According to his original itinerary, he was due to return on 26 July. However, according to the Parliament Secretariat source, the speaker was requested by the government's high-ups to shorten his visit and return on Friday.

A Parliament Secretariat official said, "Under the original schedule, the speaker was supposed to return on 26 July. But he was requested by the government's high-ups to return home earlier. That is why he is coming back on Friday."Asked about the reason for the early return, the official said, "We have been hearing various rumours [regarding the president's resignation] since yesterday (Wednesday). Perhaps that is why he is cutting short his visit. We hope everything will become clear tomorrow (Friday)."

President Mohammed Shahabuddin is expected to resign on Friday, citing ill health, according to multiple sources at Bangabhaban.

The officials said the resignation letter may be sent to the Jatiya Sangsad speaker around noon on Friday.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday said the government was not aware of any decision made by the president, dismissing reports of his possible resignation as “rumours”.

According to the constitution, if the president is unable to discharge his duties or wishes to resign, he/she must submit his/her resignation letter to the speaker of parliament. 

If the office of the president falls vacant, the speaker will assume the responsibilities of acting president, and a new president must be elected within 90 days in accordance with the constitutional provisions.