Chief Justice to step down amid protests

Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan announced his decision to resign from his position as head of Bangladesh‍‍`s judiciary following 24-hour ultimetum by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement on Saturday.

He plans to submit his resignation later today after discussions with President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

The chief justice disclosed his decision around 1pm on Saturday, shortly after protesters assembled at the High Court.

Earlier, Chief Justice Hassan had convened a full court meeting with justices from both divisions of the Supreme Court. 

However, this move was perceived by protesting students as a judicial overreach, prompting them to lay siege to the High Court.

Hasnat Abdullah, a key figure in the student movement, issued an ultimatum demanding the resignation of the chief justice and the Appellate Division justices. 

In response to the protests, Chief Justice Hassan postponed the meeting and subsequently announced his resignation.

Law Adviser of newly formed interim government Prof Asif Nazrul stated that the chief justice should make a decision to preserve the judiciary‍‍`s dignity and address the students‍‍` demands. 

He noted that the chief justice’s decision to call a full court meeting was viewed by some as aligning with defeated autocratic forces, which exacerbated the situation.

Professor Nazrul also mentioned controversies surrounding Hassan’s overseas stays at Awami League leaders’ residences and his public comments during the student movement, which further fueled dissatisfaction.

Describing the events as "unfortunate," Professor Nazrul emphasized that such incidents undermine the Supreme Court’s role in protecting the Constitution and human rights, urging that the institution should not be pitted against student movements.

In response to the escalating situation, the Bangladesh Army has been deployed to the Supreme Court grounds. Army personnel have been stationed across the main and annex buildings, as well as surrounding areas. They have called on protesters to act peacefully and avoid wasting government resources.