Deputy Speaker Kaisar Kamal assumes Speaker's duty

Following the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, National Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has assumed the role of Acting President in accordance with the Constitution. As a result, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaisar Kamal will carry out the duties of the Speaker.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed announced the development at a press briefing held at the Jatiya Sangsad on Friday after formally accepting the president's resignation.

He said that, upon taking the oath as Speaker, he had also taken the constitutional oath to serve as Acting President if required.

Likewise, the Deputy Speaker takes an oath to discharge the Speaker's responsibilities whenever the office of the Speaker becomes vacant. Under this constitutional provision, Barrister Kaisar Kamal will now perform the duties of the Speaker.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said President Shahabuddin resigned due to serious health complications. According to the resignation letter, the president has been suffering from heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, kidney-related complications and autonomic neuropathy, and stated that these conditions occasionally cause him to lose consciousness.

The Acting President also said the resignation had removed the uncertainty surrounding the issue. He noted that under the Constitution, the office of the President is never left vacant and continuity in the discharge of presidential responsibilities is always maintained.

He concluded by wishing former President Mohammed Shahabuddin good health and a long life.