Bangladesh’s next president will be elected during the regular parliamentary session scheduled for September, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman said, indicating that there is no constitutional need for a special sitting of Parliament.
Speaking to journalists at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday, the minister said, "The presidential election would take place during the upcoming session," dismissing suggestions that lawmakers would need to be called back for a separate meeting.
His remarks came a day after President Mohammed Shahabuddin stepped down from office, citing ill health as the reason for his resignation.
Responding to questions about whether any legal proceedings could be brought against the former president, the law minister declined to comment.
He denied wishing to make any observations on the issue at this stage.
Mohammed Shahabuddin submitted his resignation letter to Speaker of Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Friday afternoon, formally ending his tenure as the country’s head of state.
Following the resignation, the speaker assumed the responsibilities of acting president in line with the provisions of Bangladesh’s constitution. He will continue in that role until Parliament elects a new president.
The government has not yet announced potential candidates for the presidency or provided further details about the election process.
However, the law minister’s statement suggests the constitutional transition will proceed through the existing parliamentary timetable rather than an extraordinary session.
The presidency in Bangladesh is largely a ceremonial office, although it carries important constitutional responsibilities, including appointing key officeholders and performing duties prescribed by the Constitution. The forthcoming parliamentary vote is expected to complete the transition following Shahabuddin’s departure from office.
