Bangladesh’s President, Mohammed Shahabuddin, has officially stepped down from his role, citing an ongoing battle with Autonomic Neuropathy. The 76-year-old leader, who has held the largely ceremonial presidency since April 2023, revealed in a statement that his health condition causes unexpected fainting spells, making it impossible for him to continue his duties. His departure marks another significant shift in the nation’s political landscape following the turbulent period that saw the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year.

Shahabuddin, a long-time associate of Hasina, served as president throughout the intense student-led uprisings that eventually forced her to flee the country. With his resignation, the Awami League party finds itself without any representation in the government, further distancing it from power as many of its former members remain imprisoned or in hiding. In the interim, the Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad will assume presidential responsibilities until a successor is formally elected to lead the nation of 173 million people.