Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan of Bangladesh's Supreme Court has agreed "in principle" to resign following escalating protests outside the court premises. The decision comes after widespread condemnation from student leaders and activists who viewed his recent actions as undermining judicial independence.
According to reports from Jamuna TV and The Dhaka Tribune, the 65-year-old Chief Justice will formally tender his resignation after consulting with President Mohammed Shahabuddin later today. The protests erupted when Chief Justice Hassan called for a full court meeting involving justices from both divisions of the Supreme Court. This move was perceived by protesters as a threat to the autonomy of the judiciary, prompting them to announce a siege of the High Court premises.
In response to the mounting pressure, Chief Justice Hassan initially postponed the meeting and subsequently expressed his intention to step down. His tenure, which began last year, has been marked by controversies and allegations of political alignment with ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The unrest surrounding Hassan's resignation has coincided with broader political turmoil in Bangladesh. Recently, Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder also resigned amidst allegations of corruption, although his resignation has not yet been accepted. This development follows protests from bank officials and further complicates the country's political landscape.
The protests, which have been ongoing, have resulted in significant casualties, including over 450 deaths and numerous injuries. Amidst allegations of human rights abuses and corruption, Sheikh Hasina, who ruled the country for 15 years, faces mounting pressure from opposition leaders demanding accountability.
The situation has led to additional challenges, including a police union strike and reports of communal violence targeting minority communities, particularly the Hindu population in northwest Bangladesh. The escalating tensions have prompted hundreds to seek refuge in neighboring India, highlighting the humanitarian dimensions of the crisis.
In response to the crisis, Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus has called for religious unity and stability. As he assumes a temporary leadership role, Nobel laureate Yunus faces the daunting task of restoring calm amidst widespread discontent and calls for political reform.
The developments in Bangladesh underscore a critical juncture in the nation's political trajectory, with implications for judicial integrity, governance, and social stability. As the situation continues to evolve, stakeholders both domestically and internationally are closely monitoring the path forward for Bangladesh.
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