• President Mohammed Shahabuddin is expected to resign, coinciding with Sheikh Hasina's planned return.
• Shahabuddin has faced pressure to step down from the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
• His resignation marks a significant political shift as Hasina, who is in exile, faces death sentences for suppressing protests.

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin is set to resign nearly two years before the conclusion of his five-year term, amid increasing pressure as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announces her intention to return to the country. Reports indicate that Shahabuddin's resignation is likely due to growing concerns within the government regarding his past ties to Hasina following her exodus to India in 2024, after her government was toppled during a student-led uprising. A senior leader from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s ruling party confirmed the likelihood of Shahabuddin's imminent resignation, stating, "It is likely that he (Shahabuddin) will resign soon," according to Indiatimes.

The political landscape in Bangladesh is shifting drastically as Shahabuddin prepares to step aside, with sources indicating he may cite health issues to justify his resignation. His decision comes shortly after Hasina expressed her plans to return to Bangladesh, where she faces serious legal consequences, including a death penalty for her role in the violent suppression of protests. Shahabuddin has likely found himself under considerable pressure from the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which aims to distance itself from Hasina’s legacy as her planned return stirs tensions within the political realm, according to Reuters and BBC.

Shahabuddin, who has been in office since 2023 and is one of the few figures from Hasina's administration still holding a significant position, is now expected to tender his resignation as the speaker returns from an overseas trip. The interim president is designated under the Bangladesh Constitution to be the parliamentary speaker, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, until a new leader is elected within the next 90 days. This arrangement stems from a turbulent political atmosphere following the ousting of Hasina's government, which included the banning of her Awami League party and the imprisonment of numerous party officials, as reported by Indiatimes, Reuters, and BBC.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Shahabuddin's eventual departure signifies a potential strategic maneuver for the government to solidify its stance against Hasina's return. Notably, Hasina has articulated a desire to face justice in Bangladesh upon her return, amidst a court’s ruling that condemned her actions during the protests. Shahabuddin's resignation will leave a critical gap in the leadership, further highlighting the instability in Bangladeshi politics, as outlined by Reuters and BBC.