Dhaka: Bangladesh is preparing for another major political change as President Mohammed Shahabuddin is expected to resign on Friday, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. Although there has been no official announcement from the President's Office, several senior government and political sources have indicated that his resignation is likely to take place as the country continues to reshape its political leadership following the dramatic events of the past two years.
The expected resignation comes at a time when Bangladesh is witnessing significant political changes after the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power during the student led uprising in 2024. Since then, the country has been governed by a new administration that has sought to distance itself from the previous Awami League government and carry out constitutional and political reforms.
President Shahabuddin, who took office in 2023 after being nominated by the Awami League, has remained one of the last senior constitutional figures linked to the previous government. While the office of the president in Bangladesh is largely ceremonial, Shahabuddin played an important role during the political transition that followed Hasina's removal by overseeing the constitutional process that led to the formation of the interim administration.
According to Reuters, discussions over the president's departure have gathered pace in recent days as the government seeks to complete the transition away from officials associated with the former administration. Sources familiar with the developments said Shahabuddin is expected to submit his resignation on Friday, though officials have not publicly confirmed the timing.
The political atmosphere has become even more charged following Sheikh Hasina's recent announcement that she intends to return to Bangladesh from India later this year and surrender before the country's courts. Hasina has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh during the unrest in 2024. She was later tried in absentia and sentenced to death over allegations connected to the deadly crackdown on protesters during her final months in office. She has rejected the charges and maintains that the legal proceedings against her are politically motivated.
Bangladeshi media reports suggest that President Shahabuddin recently held a telephone conversation with Hasina, a development that reportedly increased pressure on the current administration to move ahead with changes in the country's top constitutional offices. While officials have not commented on those reports, political observers believe they have added to the growing calls for the president to step down.
If Shahabuddin formally resigns, constitutional procedures will be followed to ensure continuity in the presidency until a permanent successor is chosen. Reports indicate that Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad is likely to assume the responsibilities of acting president until a new president is elected in accordance with the Constitution.
The expected resignation is viewed by analysts as another milestone in Bangladesh's continuing political transformation. Since taking office, the new government has introduced measures aimed at restructuring state institutions, investigating alleged abuses committed under the previous administration and rebuilding public confidence in democratic institutions.
International observers are watching the developments closely because Bangladesh remains one of South Asia's most important economies and plays a key role in regional stability. Political stability in the country is considered important for economic growth, foreign investment and relations with neighbouring countries.
Despite widespread reports that the resignation is imminent, no formal resignation letter has been released publicly, and government officials have declined to comment on the matter. The situation is expected to become clearer once an official announcement is made.
If confirmed, Shahabuddin's resignation would mark the end of another chapter in Bangladesh's political transition, leaving the country to focus on selecting new constitutional leadership while preparing for the next stage of its evolving political landscape.