Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad is likely to return home tomorrow (24 July) after cutting short his overseas visit to Thailand amid growing speculation over the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
“The speaker is likely to return home tomorrow (24 July) instead of 26 July,” BNP’s Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said today (23 July).
He said the speaker left for Thailand on 19 July for medical treatment. “Although his return is originally scheduled for 26 July, he is now expected to arrive in Dhaka at 12:40pm tomorrow (24 July),” he added.
The speaker’s early return comes amid widespread speculation over the possible resignation of President Shahabuddin, although there has been no official confirmation from Bangabhaban, the government or the ruling party.
Under Article 54 of the Constitution, if the Office of the president falls vacant, the speaker assumes the responsibilities of the president until a new one is elected.
As per the Constitution, if the president wants to resign, he needs to send a resignation letter to the speaker.
If the president steps down, the speaker shall take charge of acting president until the election of the next president.
As per Article 123(2) of the Constitution, a new president must be elected within 90 days of the office falling vacant due to death, resignation or removal, while Article 48(1) provides for the president’s election through a vote by the members of parliament.
Shahabuddin took office on 24 April 2023, for a five-year term. However, speculation has intensified in recent days that he may resign before completing his tenure.
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