Bangladesh President Plans Mid-Term Exit After ‘Humiliated’ By Interim Government
Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has indicated that he plans to step down midway through his five-year term, shortly after the country’s national election scheduled for February 12, 2026. He said he felt increasingly “humiliated” and sidelined by the current interim government, which is led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Background and Reasons
Shahabuddin, 75, was elected unopposed in 2023 with the backing of the Awami League. Although the presidency is largely ceremonial, his role became more prominent after a student-led uprising in 2024 forced former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to step down. With parliament dissolved at the time, Shahabuddin briefly became the only functioning constitutional authority.
However, he has now stated that the interim administration has excluded him from key decisions. He said his office was not consulted for months, his press department was withdrawn and his portraits were removed from some official missions abroad. These actions, he claimed, undermined his position and made him feel marginalised.
Decision Linked to Upcoming Elections
Shahabuddin said he intends to remain in office only until the upcoming election process is completed. He emphasised that he does not wish to disrupt the transition period but believes it is appropriate to step aside once a new government is formed. The interim government has not yet commented publicly on his remarks.
