Sources claim that President Mohammed Shahabuddin spoke to Sheikh Hasina on the phone while on a visit to London, UK for medical treatment in May this year. The President went to London on May 9 and returned to the country on May 18. It is claimed that intelligence agencies later learned about this phone call. According to the sources, he has been given a message to resign since then.
However, a senior BNP leader claimed that there are more complex political reasons behind the possible resignation, not just that phone call.
According to him, the political situation has become more sensitive after discussions began in various quarters about Sheikh Hasina's possible plan to return to the country. An international news report published on July 10 claimed that Sheikh Hasina and several senior Awami League leaders are planning to return to Bangladesh and surrender by next December. Sources also claim that the government is monitoring the organizational activities of the Awami League during this time.
The BNP leader believes that the President's possible resignation could also be considered an important political message from the government. Through this, the government may signal a tough stance on law and order and political activities.
Meanwhile, sources claim that in a cabinet meeting on July 17, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus instructed to intensify the ongoing crackdown on the Awami League, Chhatra League, Jubo League and their affiliated organizations.
However, it is learned that no final decision has been made yet regarding when the President might resign or who his successor will be.
Attempts were made to contact the President's Press Secretary Sarwar Alam for comment on the matter, but no statement was obtained from him until Thursday afternoon.
Mohammed Shahabuddin assumed office as the 22nd President of Bangladesh on April 24, 2023. He is currently serving as the only top constitutional officeholder from the period before the political changes of July 2024.
Earlier, in a statement during the interim government's tenure, he expressed his desire to step down after the elections. Later, in an interview in February this year, he said he would remain in office if the government wanted, otherwise he would resign voluntarily.
According to the constitution, if the President resigns, the Speaker of the National Assembly will act as the acting President until a new President is elected.
According to a high-level government source, they see the President's resignation as a 'normal process'. Meanwhile, a source associated with Bangabhaban said they have heard that a decision on this matter may come within a day or two.
However, according to the President's pre-scheduled program, there is an event to receive the credentials of non-resident ambassadors from four countries on July 29.
