Speaker Returns Early Amid Resignation Speculation

Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.

Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad is returning to Bangladesh on Friday after cutting short his visit to Bangkok amid growing speculation over the possible resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

A source at the Parliament Secretariat confirmed the development on Thursday.

According to the source, the speaker is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 12:10pm on a Thai Airways flight.

The speaker travelled to Bangkok on July 19 for medical treatment and was originally scheduled to return on July 26. However, the Parliament Secretariat source said he was requested by senior government officials to shorten his visit and return on Friday.

“Under the original schedule, the speaker was supposed to return on July 26. But he was requested by the government's high-ups to return earlier,” a Parliament Secretariat official said.

When asked about the reason for the early return, the official said reports circulating about the possible resignation of the president may have prompted the decision.

“We have been hearing various rumours since yesterday. Perhaps that is why he is returning early. We hope everything will become clear on Friday,” the official added.

Multiple sources at Bangabhaban said President Mohammed Shahabuddin is expected to resign on Friday, citing ill health.

According to the sources, the president's resignation letter may be sent to the Speaker around noon.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Thursday that the government was unaware of any decision by the president, dismissing reports of his possible resignation as “rumours.”

Under the Constitution, a president wishing to resign must submit a resignation letter to the Speaker of Parliament. If the office of the president falls vacant, the Speaker assumes the role of acting president until a new president is elected within 90 days.