Speaker calls 5pm press conference, expected to address presidential resignation issue

National Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad has called a press conference for 5pm at the oath room of the Parliament Complex, according to a Parliament Secretariat official today. It is widely anticipated that the Speaker will address the ongoing discussions surrounding the potential resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

The announcement follows the Speaker's return to Dhaka from Bangkok earlier today on Friday, shortening his trip for personal reasons and medical checkups after traveling abroad on July 19.

Upon arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 12:15pm, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad responded to journalists regarding the resignation rumors, stating he was unaware of any developments while he was away.

Addressing queries about the President's possible step-down, he clarified, "I do not know what the President will or will not do. He is the head of state. Having been abroad, I have no information on who might resign, though I may learn more now. Standard parliamentary convention dictates that if the President resigns, the resignation is submitted to the Speaker, and the National Parliament elects a new President within the following 90 days."

When asked about assuming presidential duties in the event of a resignation, he noted that according to the Constitution of Bangladesh, the Speaker serves as Acting President until a new President is elected by parliament within a three-month window.

The Speaker's early return—two days ahead of schedule—has intensified speculation regarding President Mohammed Shahabuddin's imminent resignation. Reliable sources suggest the President could potentially submit his resignation today or tomorrow.