Bangladeshi Protesters Encircle Supreme Court, Force Chief Justice to Resign

Dhaka: In a dramatic turn of events in Bangladesh, Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan has been compelled to resign following a massive protest that encircled the Supreme Court building. The protest, led predominantly by students, erupted in response to the recent political upheaval in the country.
On Monday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed resigned amid mounting pressure from protesters. She subsequently fled to India for safety. The focus of the protests has now shifted to Sheikh Hasina’s supporters, including the judiciary, which demonstrators allege is biased in favor of the former Prime Minister.
On Saturday, it was reported that Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan had convened a Full Court meeting to discuss the interim government. In reaction, thousands of protesters surrounded the Supreme Court and demanded the resignation of the judges, threatening attacks on their homes if their demands were not met. The demonstrators claimed that the Chief Justice was about to declare the interim government illegal.
Student leader Asif Mahmood has also demanded the resignation of Chief Justice Hassan and seven other judges. Facing mounting pressure and threats, Chief Justice Hassan has decided to step down, though the final announcement will await the President’s approval.
The Full Court meeting scheduled by Justice Hassan was ultimately canceled. According to the Dhaka Tribune, the meeting was seen by protesters as a judicial maneuver that has now failed. Chief Justice Hassan, who assumed office just ten months ago, had previously been part of the tribunal that sentenced leaders of the Jamaat-e-Islami to death.
The newly formed interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has decided to withdraw all cases against protesters filed from July 1 to August 5. Additionally, the interim government has imposed restrictions on three newspapers associated with Hasina Wazed and will oversee 25 ministries with student consultations on key issues.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Yunus vowed to crack down on “conspirators” and warned that those spreading “disorder” would face the full force of the law. The interim government aims to stabilize the country amid ongoing unrest and political turmoil.