Bangladesh president Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned Friday afternoon, ending widespread speculation. He submitted his resignation letter to the speaker of the national parliament at 4:30 p.m., and authorities scheduled an emergency press conference for 5 p.m. in the parliament oath room.
National parliament speaker Hafizuddin Ahmed arrived in Bangladesh from medical treatment in Thailand two days ahead of schedule. Speaking at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Ahmed noted he was initially unaware of the news.
“I was out of the country, so here I don’t know who resigned or what happened,” Ahmed told reporters. “I might find out now.”
Ahmed explained that a resigning president must submit their letter directly to the speaker. Under constitutional rules, the speaker then serves as acting president. Following the resignation, parliament is required to elect a new president within a 90-day period.