Speaker to return early from Bangkok trip amid speculation over president's future

Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, is cutting short his official visit and returning home on Friday amid widespread speculation over the future of President Md Shahabuddin. According to sources at the Parliament Secretariat, he is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Thai Airways at 12:10 pm tomorrow.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed left for Bangkok on 19 July for medical treatment. According to his itinerary, his return ticket was booked for 26 July. However, sources at the Parliament Secretariat said he was requested by senior government officials to curtail his visit and return on Friday.

An official at the Parliament Secretariat told Dhaka Post, "The Speaker was scheduled to return on 26 July. However, he was requested by senior government officials to return earlier. That's why he is coming back on Friday."

When asked why the Speaker was returning early, the official said, "I have been hearing various speculation since yesterday. Perhaps that is why he is returning by cutting short his visit. I hope everything will be clear by tomorrow."

Constitutional provisions

According to Article 54 of the Bangladesh Constitution, should the office of the President become vacant or if he is unable to perform his duties, the Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad will act as the President until a new President is elected. In such a scenario, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed would assume the role of Acting President.

If the Speaker temporarily assumes the duties of the President, under Article 123(1) of the Constitution, a new President must be elected by a vote of members of the Jatiya Sangsad within 90 days of the office falling vacant.