Today(10th August), Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan of Bangladesh is expected to resign amid intense protests at the Supreme Court in Dhaka. Demonstrators have demanded his resignation and that of other Appellate Division judges by 1:00 PM local time.
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DHAKA: Today(10th August), Chief Justice of Bangladesh Obaidul Hassan has reportedly decided to resign following intense pressure from protesters who surrounded the Supreme Court premises in Dhaka. The demonstrators issued a stern ultimatum demanding the resignation of the Chief Justice and other judges of the Appellate Division by 1:00 PM local time. The situation, which has escalated rapidly, marks a crucial moment in Bangladesh’s judicial and political landscape.
Protests at the Supreme Court Premises
The events unfolded as hundreds of protesters, including students and lawyers, began gathering at the Supreme Court premises around 10:30 AM. The protestors, who were visibly agitated, called for the immediate resignation of Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and the other judges in the Appellate Division. The protest was a response to growing dissatisfaction with the judiciary, which many see as being too closely aligned with the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Earlier that morning, Asif Mahmud, an adviser to the Youth and Sports Ministry of the Interim government, took to Facebook to demand the “unconditional resignation of Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan” and to halt the full court meeting scheduled for the day. His post quickly gained traction, further fueling the protesters’ resolve.
Chief Justice’s Decision to Resign
Amid the mounting pressure, Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan postponed the full court meeting of the Supreme Court judges, which was convened to decide whether court functions would continue virtually. This move was seen as a direct response to the escalating protests outside the court. The Chief Justice reportedly revealed his decision to resign during the midday hours, signaling the impact of the protests on his decision-making.
According to reports from The Dhaka Tribune, Obaidul Hassan is expected to formally tender his resignation after consulting with President Mohammed Shahabuddin in the evening. This decision comes after a brief but intense period of reflection and consultation.
Background and Implications
Obaidul Hassan was appointed as the Chief Justice of Bangladesh just last year and was perceived as a loyalist to Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. His appointment came during a turbulent period in the country’s history, and his close ties to Hasina were a point of contention for many.
Sheikh Hasina, who is 76 years old, dramatically fled to neighboring India by helicopter on Monday as protests erupted across Dhaka, marking the end of her long and often controversial tenure as Prime Minister. Her government has been accused of widespread human rights abuses, including the extrajudicial killing of thousands of political opponents, which has further fueled public outrage and demands for accountability.
The resignation of Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan, if it indeed happens, would be a significant victory for the protesters and could signal a shift in the balance of power within Bangladesh.
