Bangladesh has formally inaugurated the new session of its National Parliament, with members of the legislature taking the oath of office. Alongside them, the Prime Minister, ministers, and state ministers have also been sworn in. With the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) now assuming government, public and political discourse has intensified over who will occupy the office of the President, and when the election will take place.
Under the previous administration of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mohammad Shahabuddin served as President. During the mass uprising that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, student and public movements demanded his resignation. Despite calls for his removal, the BNP opposed any such action, and Shahabuddin ultimately administered the oath to the newly elected government led by Tarique Rahman.
Currently, Shahabuddin’s term extends until April 2028, which legally prevents a new presidential election from being held while he remains in office. Constitutional analysts emphasise that unless he resigns or is impeached, no successor can assume the presidency.
Lawyer and constitutional expert Kazi Zahed Iqbal told BBC Bangla, “The constitution clearly outlines the conditions under which the presidency becomes vacant. Only then can the new Parliament initiate the process for election.”
Conditions for Vacancy of the Presidency
The President of Bangladesh holds the country’s highest constitutional office. According to the constitution, each presidential term lasts five years, with a maximum of two consecutive terms. Shahabuddin assumed office in April 2023 during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.
| Event | Date/Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shahabuddin assumes office | April 2023 | Under Sheikh Hasina government |
| Term expiry | April 2028 | Full five-year term |
| Interim swearing-in | 2024 | Administers oath to BNP government after mass uprising |
| Student protests | October 2024 | Demanded President’s resignation; no removal occurred |
| Public statement | December 2024 | Shahabuddin expressed willingness to resign after February election |
Despite strong demands for resignation during the student-led movements in October 2024, Shahabuddin remained in office. In a December interview with Reuters, he indicated that he would step down after the forthcoming elections, citing personal feelings of insult during the interim government’s tenure.
Presidential Election Process
The Constitution of Bangladesh, in Article 50, states that the President serves a five-year term and cannot hold office more than twice. The office may become vacant due to term expiry, resignation, or impeachment. The Election Commission organises elections once the post is vacant, and the President is elected by members of Parliament. Candidates must be at least 35 years old and eligible for parliamentary membership.
Historically, Bangladesh operated under a presidential system with direct public elections. Since the return to a parliamentary system in 1991, the President has been elected exclusively by Parliament. The Chief Election Commissioner, acting as the ‘Returning Officer,’ coordinates the election with the Speaker, announcing a schedule that ensures voting occurs 60–90 days before the post’s vacancy.
If a single candidate is nominated, a vote is not required. Otherwise, voting occurs during a parliamentary session, or, if Parliament is not in session, the Election Commission convenes a special session at least seven days before the election.
Powers and Political Significance
Currently, the President’s role is largely ceremonial, with limited executive authority. However, during political crises, such as the fall of the Hasina government, the President’s office assumes constitutional significance as the sole authority to dissolve Parliament or oversee government formation.
Proposals under the July Reform Charter seek to adjust the balance of power, granting the President increased autonomy in appointments to human rights commissions, the information commission, law commissions, and regulatory authorities without consulting the Prime Minister. Full implementation requires constitutional amendments, which remain pending.
Parliament has yet to announce the start date of its first session. Analysts suggest that significant changes to the presidency are unlikely before the session begins, but the question of succession will become central once the new government and Parliament are fully operational.