‘Elected under mafia govt’ but Shahabuddin always backed current government, says Speaker Hafiz Uddin

Speaker of the National Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmad today (24 July) said that President Md Shahabuddin, though elected during what he described as a “mafia government,” had always shown support and respect for the current government elected by the people’s vote.

He made the remarks at a press conference held at the National Parliament Building around 5:30pm, after announcing that President Shahabuddin had submitted his signed resignation letter to him at 5:01pm under Article 50(3) of the constitution.

“Although he was elected during the tenure of a mafia government, I believe he has always expressed support and respect for the government that has been elected by the votes of the people,” the speaker said.

Hafiz Uddin, also the acting president, said he had accepted the resignation under his authority as speaker and assumed presidential duties in accordance with Article 54 of the constitution.

He directed the National Parliament Secretariat to record the resignation and take necessary administrative steps.

“He has stated in writing that he is seriously ill and has resigned on health grounds. He himself has disclosed the name of his illness and informed us in writing of the conditions he is suffering from, including episodes of unconsciousness. Since he himself has made this claim, there is no need for a doctor’s certificate,” the speaker said.

He expressed hope that the resignation would dispel all ambiguity. “We hope that this resignation clears all confusion and that no disorder, hostility or confusion arises from this matter,” he said.

The speaker noted that presidents have resigned before and that the presidential chair never remains vacant. “As speaker, I have accepted this resignation — that is the reality,” he said.

He also reminded journalists that on the day he took oath as speaker, he simultaneously took oath as acting president, to be invoked if necessary.