DHAKA: Egypt’s military-backed interim government has resigned, prime minister Hazem Beblawi has announced.

Beblawi gave no reason for the decision in his televised statement, reports the BBC.

The state-run al-Ahram newspaper, citing unnamed sources, reported that outgoing housing minister Ibrahim Mihlib was expected to succeed him.

Beblawi was appointed prime minister in July after the military overthrew president Mohammed Mursi following mass protests against his one-year rule.

Al-Ahram said the cabinet’s decision to submit its resignation to interim president Adly Mansour was made after a meeting attended by the armed forces chief and defence minister, Field Marshal Abdul Fattah al-Sisi.

The field marshal is widely expected to announce soon that he will step down from both posts and run for president.

According to the new constitution approved in January, an election must take place by mid-April. Correspondents say Field Marshal Sisi would be likely to win, given his popularity and the lack of any serious rivals.

BDST: 1726 HRS, FEB 24, 2014