Bangladesh, July 23 -- Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said President Mohammed Shahabuddin is constitutionally free to resign if he wishes.

Speaking about the mounting speculation that the president may step down on Thursday, Salahuddin insisted the government has taken no steps over the matter.

"If the president wants to resign for health reasons or any other reason under the Constitution, that option is available to him. We really don't know."

Dismissing suggestions of government involvement, he said: "The government has nothing to say on this. You are reading it in newspapers. If it actually happens, we will see."

When asked about the rumours, he replied: "You said it yourself -- it's a rumour. A rumour is just that."

Pressed ...