President Hamid is the lone President in Bangladesh who held the post for two consecutive terms of ranging over 10 years.

 A veteran politician with a colourful career, Hamid for the first time took the responsibility of the President in-charge on March 14, 2013, when the then President Mohammad Zillur Rahman was under treatment in Singapore and after his death he became the Acting President on March 20, 2013.

 President Hamid was sworn in as the 20th President in April 2013 and subsequently 21st President for the second term on April 24, 2018.

 Earlier today, new President Shahabuddin was administered the oath office by parliamentary Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury at the Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban at 11 am at an event joined by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique, ministers, lawmakers, foreign diplomats, senior officials and distinguished citizens.

 After the Bangabhaban ceremony, Shahabuddin went to his Gulshan residence in a presidential motorcade. Bangabhaban officials said he is set to return to the presidential palace at 8:20 pm in the evening.

 The new President will be given a guard of honour tomorrow morning as part of the extended installation ceremony.

 Hamid was born on January 1, 1944 at Kamalpur in Mithamain upazila under Kishoreganj district and made his debut as a political activist in 1959 by joining the then Awami League student front Chhatra League. He joined the Awami League at the end of 1969.

 He was elected as Speaker in the Ninth Parliament and served the office from 2009-2013 while was he elected to parliament seven times since 1970.Source:BSS

The grand farewell ceremony was a fitting tribute to a remarkable politician who has left a lasting legacy in Bangladesh. Abdul Hamid's contributions to the country's development and his deep connection with the people have earned him a place in the hearts of the nation. His departure marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on, inspiring future generations of leaders to serve the country with dedication and humility.

Writer: Dr.Md Abu Bakar Siddique (Dr Dipu Siddiqui), Associate Professor & Chairman Department of Education Royal University of Dhaka and Country Director of  Bangabandhu Commission and MTV Network, USA.