President Shahabuddin likely to resign soon: Sources

The president spoke by phone with former prime minister Sheikh Hasina during a visit to London for medical treatment in May this year. Hasina has been living in exile in India since July 2024. Shahabuddin travelled to London on 9 May and returned to Bangladesh on 18 May

President Mohammed Shahabuddin is likely to resign soon, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter, although no official announcement has been made yet.

Sources said discussions over the president's possible resignation have gathered momentum in recent weeks. Shahabuddin, who assumed office in April 2023, is the only remaining holder of a top constitutional office appointed before the July 2024 mass uprising.

According to the sources, the president spoke by phone with former prime minister Sheikh Hasina during a visit to London for medical treatment in May this year. Hasina has been living in exile in India since July 2024. Shahabuddin travelled to London on 9 May and returned to Bangladesh on 18 May.

The sources claimed intelligence agencies later became aware of the conversation, after which a message was reportedly conveyed to the president suggesting that he step down.

However, a senior BNP leader said the reported phone conversation was not the sole reason behind the expected resignation, describing the matter as "more complex".

The BNP leader added that the political situation became increasingly sensitive after Hasina recently announced plans to return to Bangladesh in December.

Another senior BNP leader said the president's expected resignation would send a clear message that the government is closely monitoring political developments and is prepared to take firm action against activities that could undermine law and order.

FT's Intel

According to some classified intels, no final decision has yet been made regarding the timing of Shahabuddin's resignation or who may succeed him. Shahabuddin was sworn in as Bangladesh's 22nd president on 24 April 2023. 

A high-level government source described his possible departure as a natural development. "It is only natural that he will not remain, whether today or tomorrow," the source said.

A source close to Bangabhaban also indicated that a decision could come soon. "I am hearing that a decision may come within a day or two," the source said.

The Bangabhaban source noted that the president is scheduled to meet the non-resident ambassadors of four countries on 29 July, although it remains unclear whether that meeting will take place if he resigns before then.

There has been no official confirmation from Bangabhaban or the government regarding the reports of the president's possible resignation.