Bangladesh, July 24 -- Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad has said outgoing head of state Mohammed Shahabuddin always showed "support and respect" for the BNP-led government, despite being appointed during the Awami League's rule.

Rumours of Shahabuddin's resignation first surfaced on Jul 22.

He formally submitted his resignation on Friday, citing "serious" health problems.

Speaking at an emergency briefing after accepting Shahabuddin's resignation, Hafiz said the resignation letter listed heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney complications, a previous bypass surgery and a recent diagnosis of autonomic neuropathy, which causes intermittent loss of consciousness.

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