Bangladesh’s Chief Justice Resigns Following Massive Protests Outside Supreme Court

Chief Justice Resigns

Bangladesh Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan has announced his resignation from the judiciary’s top position following a dramatic escalation in protests outside the Supreme Court building on Saturday.

The unrest began after rumors circulated that Hassan planned to convene a full court meeting, which many interpreted as a potential challenge to the interim government.

The Chief Justice’s decision to resign came around 1 p.m. on Saturday amidst a significant and growing crowd of demonstrators at the Supreme Court. Hassan is expected to formally submit his resignation letter to President Mohammed Shahabuddin later in the day.

The protests erupted in response to Hassan’s call for a full court meeting involving all Supreme Court justices. Many protestors viewed this move as a threat to the interim government, accusing Hassan of attempting a judicial coup.

This perception led to the blockade of the court premises by demonstrators, who also issued an ultimatum demanding the resignation of both the Chief Justice and the Appellate Division justices.

Justice Obaidul Hassan had assumed the role of Chief Justice only ten months ago. The mounting pressure from protestors, which included students and lawyers, prompted him to initially delay the court meeting before ultimately deciding to resign.

Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul commented on the situation, arguing that Hassan’s resignation was essential to maintain the judiciary’s dignity.

Nazrul criticized Hassan’s controversial approach to handling student grievances, including his practice of staying at the residences of Awami League leaders during international trips—a matter that had become a focal point of protest.

The protests have become part of a broader wave of unrest in Bangladesh, initially sparked by a controversial quota system for government jobs and expanding into larger political demands.

The resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the formation of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus have further fueled the political tensions.

As the protests intensified, the Bangladesh Army was deployed to ensure security at the Supreme Court complex. Army personnel were stationed at strategic locations, urging protestors to maintain peace amidst the escalating situation.

Abdul Muqaddim, a protest leader, accused the Chief Justice of engaging in a conspiracy to undermine the interim government, a claim that intensified the demonstrators’ resolve.

This dramatic turn of events marks a significant moment in Bangladesh’s ongoing political struggle, highlighting the complex interplay between the judiciary, student activists, and the interim government.

The resignation of Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan represents a critical juncture in this turbulent period, reflecting the deepening political crisis in the country.