Bangladesh, July 24 -- With Mohammed Shahabuddin's resignation taking effect, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad has assumed the president's constitutional duties, while the Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal takes charge of parliament.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Parliament Secretariat on Friday, Hafiz said Shahabuddin submitted his resignation letter to him after 5pm.

"Under Article 54 of the Constitution, I have assumed the responsibilities of the president," he said, adding that he had accepted the resignation and instructed the Parliament Secretariat to preserve it and complete the administrative formalities.

Explaining the arrangement, Hafiz said the Constitution provides for such a transition.

"When I took the oath as speaker, I also ...