I have heard the same as you: Speaker breaks silence on president’s resignation

Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has said he has no official information regarding reports of President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s possible resignation, amid mounting speculation over the issue.

Speaking to reporters after returning to Dhaka from Thailand on Friday (July 24), Hafiz Uddin said, “I’ve heard the same as you. I was outside the country, so I don’t know who resigned or what happened. I’ll probably know now.”

The Speaker returned to the country on Friday noon after cutting short his visit to Bangkok, where he had travelled on July 19 for medical treatment and a routine health check-up.

Responding to questions about the President’s reported resignation, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said he could not comment on speculation.

“Whether the President resigns or not is entirely his decision. He is the first citizen of the country. I cannot answer hypothetical questions,” he said.

However, he reiterated the constitutional provisions governing such a situation.

According to the Constitution, if the President resigns, the resignation letter must be submitted to the Speaker. In that case, the Speaker will assume the responsibilities of Acting President until a new President is elected by Parliament within 90 days.

The Speaker also clarified that his early return from Thailand was unrelated to the ongoing speculation. Although his return was originally scheduled for July 26, he said he came back earlier because his medical check-up had been completed and he had some personal matters to attend to.

The President’s possible resignation has become the subject of intense political discussion in recent days. However, no official announcement has yet been made by Bangabhaban, and government officials have maintained that there is no confirmed development regarding the matter.