New Delhi: Following fresh protests by student groups, Bangladesh Chief Justice Obaidul Hasan resigned on Saturday, August 9. Justice Obaidul, who is considered a loyalist of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, was given a one-hour ultimatum by protestors to step down, by surrounding Supreme Court on Saturday.
According to the Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo, students have been camping at the Supreme Court in Dhaka demanding the resignation of CJ Obaidul Hasan and seven judges of the Appellate Division. Army has been deployed at the Supreme Court premises to control the surging number of protestors.
Bangladeshi broadcaster Jamuna TV had reported earlier that the Chief Justice had agreed “in principle” to step down, under pressure from protestors. The students had reportedly given him an hour ultimatum to tender his resignation. He was appointed to the post last year by the Awami League government.
“I informed him (law advisor) that I have taken a decision in principle to step down and I hope all formalities will be completed by today,” the chief justice had said.
Students allege that the Chief Justice and the judges of the Supreme Court had held a meeting without the consultation of the newly formed interim government. With protestors surrounding the court premises, the judges called off the meeting abruptly on Saturday.
The latest protests come two days after the interim government, led by Noble laureate Muhammad Yunus, took over. The interim government comprising 17 members, including Yunus, are from diverse backgrounds, including activism, law, foreign service, among others.
About 450 people have died over the last month since violent protests began in Bangladesh, first against reservations in jobs and then against Sheikh Hasina. Under pressure, Hasina resigned and fled to India, ending her 15-year-old rule, which critics describe as “authoritarian”.
