Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin Resigns Citing Health Issues

The possibility of his resignation emerged after several Bangladeshi media organizations reported that discussions were underway over appointing a new president.

Shahabuddin, 76, cited health reasons for his decision on Friday.

A new government headed by Tarique Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and Hasina’s archrival, came to power with a landslide victory in February after 18 months of interim rule under Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Speaker Ahmed, who returned to Dhaka after cutting short a medical visit to Bangkok, accepted the resignation.