DHAKA: Bangladesh’s Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan on Saturday agreed to resign “in principle” following intense pressure from student protesters who have surrounded the Supreme Court, broadcaster Jamuna TV reported. This decision marks a significant development in the escalating unrest that has gripped the nation following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The 65-year-old Chief Justice, who was appointed just last year and was perceived as a loyalist to the ousted Prime Minister, is expected to formally submit his resignation after meeting with President Mohammed Shahabuddin later this evening, according to The Dhaka Tribune.
The protests erupted after Chief Justice Hassan called for a full court meeting involving all justices from both divisions of the Supreme Court. The student protesters viewed this as an attempt by the judiciary to seize power and responded by laying siege to the High Court premises. Facing mounting pressure and an ultimatum to step down, Hassan initially postponed the meeting before announcing his decision to resign.
The unrest surrounding Hassan’s resignation is part of a broader wave of protests and political instability that has swept across Bangladesh following Sheikh Hasina’s departure. The unrest has resulted in over 450 deaths, including several police officers, and has been marked by violent clashes and widespread vandalism.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder has also tendered his resignation, although it has yet to be accepted due to the crucial nature of his role, finance ministry adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said. This follows the resignation of four deputy governors, who were forced out by bank officials accusing them of corruption.
The unrest has also impacted the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh, with reports of vandalism and attacks on their homes and businesses in the northwest part of the country. This has led many members of the community to flee to neighboring India for safety.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has appealed for religious unity. His immediate challenge is to restore stability and address the widespread unrest that led to the end of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule.
