Constitutional qualifications required to become President

Who elects the President

According to Article 48(1) of the Constitution, there shall be a President of Bangladesh, who shall be elected by the votes of the members of the National Parliament in accordance with law.

Clause 48(2) of the same article states that as head of state, the President shall take precedence over all other persons in the state and shall exercise the powers and perform the duties conferred and imposed by the Constitution and other laws.

Qualifications for becoming President

According to Article 48(4) of the Constitution, no person shall be eligible for election as President if he—

• is under 35 years of age;
• is not qualified for election as a member of the National Parliament; or
• has been removed from the office of President by impeachment under the Constitution.

Term of office of the President

According to Article 50(1) of the Constitution, the President shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office.

However, even after his term ends, he shall continue to perform his duties until his successor enters upon office.

Article 50(2) of the Constitution states that no person shall hold the office of President for more than two terms, whether continuous or with a break.

Provisions for resignation

According to Article 50(3) of the Constitution, the President may resign by a letter signed by him addressed to the Speaker.

Provisions regarding membership of Parliament

Article 50(4) of the Constitution states that the President shall not be qualified for election as a member of the National Parliament while holding office. If a member of Parliament is elected as President, his seat in Parliament shall become vacant from the day on which he enters upon his office as President.