National Citizens Party convener Nahid Islam urged authorities Friday to prevent former president Mohammed Shahabuddin from leaving Bangladesh and called for his immediate arrest.
Bangladesh must elect a new president within 90 days following the resignation of Mohammed Shahabuddin, the country’s 22nd president.
Self-censorship, political pressure and financial constraints are threatening press freedom and public trust in journalism, speakers said at the Bengal Delta Conference 2026 in Dhaka.
Speaker of Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmad assumed the responsibilities of acting president Friday after President Mohammed Shahabuddin formally submitted his resignation.
Former president Mohammed Shahabuddin said he resigned voluntarily after months of considering the decision, describing his life at Bangabhaban as restrictive.
Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned as president of Bangladesh on Friday, citing worsening health problems that he said left him unable to perform the duties of the office.
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.
Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi that protesters could begin demanding his resignation unless education minister Dharmendra Pradhan steps down over alleged examination failures.
Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke said protesters would continue their demonstrations until India’s education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, resigns over the government’s handling of student grievances.
Thousands of protesters remained camped at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Thursday, defying restrictions after police used tear gas and batons to disperse demonstrators twice this week.
