Bangladesh’s Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan has agreed to resign after facing intense protests. Jamuna TV reported that he will submit his resignation after consulting with President Mohammed Shahabuddin. Protests erupted after Hassan called for a full court meeting with all Supreme Court justices. Students viewed the meeting as a judiciary coup and announced a siege of the High Court. In response, Chief Justice Hassan postponed the meeting and announced his decision to step down. Hassan, a known loyalist to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, received a one-hour ultimatum to resign.
Resignations Amid Political Unrest
Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder also resigned, but authorities have not accepted it. Finance ministry adviser Salehuddin Ahmed confirmed this. Days earlier, 300 to 400 bank officials forced four deputy governors to resign over corruption allegations. The protests, which led to Hasina’s ouster, have caused over 450 deaths, including police officers. Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party stated that Hasina must face charges of murder, forced disappearance, money laundering, and corruption.
Violence Escalates Amid Strikes and Religious Tensions
The police union declared a strike, refusing to work until their safety is ensured. This strike has further complicated the situation. Sheikh Hasina has taken refuge in New Delhi but plans to return for upcoming elections. Amid the unrest, vandals targeted homes and businesses of the Hindu minority. Hundreds have fled to India.
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus has assumed temporary control, responding to student protesters’ calls. The Nobel laureate faces the task of stabilizing Bangladesh after weeks of deadly anti-government demonstrations. He appealed for religious unity and comforted the mother of a student killed by police, a tragic symbol of the protests that ended Hasina’s 15-year rule.
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