Bangladesh President Shahabuddin Under Pressure to Resign Amid Political Turmoil

Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin is facing increasing pressure to resign from leaders of the movement that removed ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August. Shahabuddin, elected in 2023 by Hasina’s Awami League, has a largely ceremonial role, but his potential ouster is sparking fears of a constitutional crisis.

The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is considering a decision on his removal, with government spokeswoman Syeda Rizwana Hasan stating that discussions are ongoing. Calls for Shahabuddin’s departure intensified after he recently suggested Hasina’s resignation might be invalid, which led to accusations he violated his oath of office.

The situation escalated when protesters clashed with police outside the presidential residence last week, resulting in injuries on both sides, as the country navigates through political tensions following the recent government change.