Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned from office on Friday, citing serious health concerns, according to a statement issued by his office. Shahabuddin, 76, had served as the country’s largely ceremonial head of state since April 2023 and was a former ally of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. His resignation comes during a period of political transition in Bangladesh following major unrest in 2024.

In a statement released by his press secretary, Shahabuddin said recent medical examinations had diagnosed him with Autonomic Neuropathy, a condition that has caused episodes of temporary loss of consciousness. He cited the health complications as the reason behind his decision to step down from the presidency.

Shahabuddin’s resignation leaves the country’s highest constitutional office vacant at a politically sensitive time. He assumed the presidency shortly before a period of intense political instability that followed a student-led uprising against Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024, which eventually led to her departure from Bangladesh and relocation to India.

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The former president’s exit also removes one of Sheikh Hasina’s remaining allies from a senior state position. Since the fall of her government, the Awami League party has faced restrictions, with several of its leaders and activists either arrested or reportedly going into hiding amid continuing political developments.

According to the statement, the speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, Bangladesh’s national parliament, will carry out the duties of the president until a new president is elected. Under Bangladesh’s constitutional structure, the president serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, while executive authority is exercised by the prime minister and the cabinet.

The resignation marks another significant development in Bangladesh’s ongoing political transition. Authorities are expected to begin the process of selecting a new president while the country continues to deal with the aftermath of the 2024 uprising and changes in its political landscape.

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