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In the Bengali-language letter issued on Bangabhaban letterhead, the 76-year-old cited multiple health conditions, including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, kidney complications, a previous bypass surgery and a recent diagnosis of autonomic neuropathy, which has caused episodes of unconsciousness.

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned on Friday, submitting his resignation letter to the Speaker of Parliament under Article 50(3) of the Constitution, nearly halfway through his five-year term, which was due to end in April 2028.

In the Bengali-language letter issued on Bangabhaban letterhead, the 76-year-old cited multiple health conditions, including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, kidney complications, a previous bypass surgery and a recent diagnosis of autonomic neuropathy, which has caused episodes of unconsciousness. He said his prolonged medical treatment had made it impossible for him to continue discharging the responsibilities of the office. Shahabuddin also defended his tenure, saying he had helped steer Bangladesh through the constitutional crisis that followed the August 2024 uprising.

Earlier, his press secretary, Sarwar Alam, had said Shahabuddin was stepping down because his deteriorating health no longer allowed him to perform his constitutional duties and that he required treatment and rest.

However, according to reports, the Tarique Rahman-led government had urged Shahabuddin to resign due to his long-standing association with former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has announced plans to return to Bangladesh in December and surrender following her conviction by a war crimes court. Hasina, currently living in exile in India, has denied the charges.