Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad has returned to Dhaka after a shortened visit to Bangkok, as political attention remains focused on growing speculation that President Mohammed Shahabuddin could step down.
The speaker arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport shortly after midday on Friday, according to the Parliament Secretariat’s public relations office. His return came days before his previously scheduled arrival, prompting renewed interest in reports surrounding the presidency.
Speaking to journalists at the airport, Hafiz Uddin dismissed suggestions that he had any knowledge of an imminent resignation by the president.
Responding to questions about whether he was preparing to assume presidential responsibilities, he said, "Such speculation was hypothetical," and insisted he was unaware of any decision taken by the head of state.
He added that the president remained the country’s highest constitutional office-holder and declined to comment further on reports circulating recently.
The speaker explained that his visit to Thailand had been for a routine medical examination and that he had returned after completing the scheduled check-up.
He said again that the trip had also included personal matters and confirmed that his medical appointments concluded on Thursday.
Under Bangladesh’s Constitution, the Speaker of Parliament automatically performs the duties of acting president if the office of the president becomes vacant. A new president must then be elected by parliament within three months.
Hafiz Uddin referred to those constitutional provisions and noted that the legal framework clearly outlines the process to be followed if a presidential vacancy arises, while stressing that he had no information suggesting such a situation had occurred.
The speaker travelled to Bangkok on 19 July for medical treatment and had originally planned to return on 26 July.
However, parliamentary officials said, "The visit was cut short following a request from senior government authorities, although no further explanation was provided.”
His return follows a wave of political speculation after reports emerged on Thursday claiming that President Shahabuddin had decided to resign.
According to people familiar with developments, the submission of any resignation letter was reportedly delayed while the speaker remained outside the country.
Asked again whether he had received any official communication on the matter, Hafiz Uddin said he had been abroad and therefore had no knowledge of recent developments.
He told reporters that he expected to learn more now that he had returned to Bangladesh.
Senior officials from the Parliament Secretariat, including Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, welcomed the speaker upon his arrival at the airport before he travelled to his official residence inside the parliament complex.
No official announcement has been made by the president's office regarding the reports, leaving uncertainty over the situation as political observers continue to watch for any formal developments.
