Mohammed Shahabuddin Chuppu resigned as Bangladesh’s president on Friday afternoon after serving for three years and eight months, citing serious health problems. His military secretary delivered the signed resignation letter to Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram at 5 pm. Under Article 54 of the constitution, the speaker immediately assumed the duties of acting president.

In his resignation letter, Shahabuddin cited heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney complications and autonomic neuropathy. He said he had undergone bypass surgery and sometimes briefly lost consciousness because of his illnesses. Sources said specialists at the Combined Military Hospital advised him to take complete rest and receive advanced treatment.

The parliamentary secretariat said the resignation was submitted under Article 50(3) of the constitution. The speaker will perform presidential duties until a new president is elected and takes office. Some political leaders and student leaders associated with the July movement described the resignation as positive, while Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party, among others, demanded Shahabuddin’s arrest and trial. Officials said he is scheduled to meet Bangabhaban staff on Saturday and move to his Gulshan residence on Sunday.