Dhaka, August 10: Bangladesh's Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan has agreed "in principle" to resign following intense pressure from thousands of student protesters who surrounded the Supreme Court on Saturday. Hassan was appointed as chief justice in Supreme Court last year and is being seen as a loyalist to ousted PM Sheikh Hasina.

The 65-year-old judge will tender his resignation after consulting President Mohammed Shahabuddin in the evening, The Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported. Bangladesh Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan to ‘Resign’ as Hundreds of Protesters Surround Supreme Court, Demand His Resignation.

Why Obaidul Hassan Resigned?

The demonstrations, which have grown in size and intensity, were sparked by a controversial full-court meeting called by the Chief Justice without consulting the newly formed interim government. Protesters accused the judiciary of conspiring against the public, leading to widespread outrage and demands for accountability. Indian Visa Centres in Bangladesh Closed Indefinitely Due to ‘Unstable Situation’ in Country.

Appointed last year, Obaidul Hassan is perceived as a loyalist to the recently ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. His abrupt decision to resign came after protesters issued an ultimatum, demanding his immediate departure from office. Tensions escalated further when reports emerged that Hassan had fled the Supreme Court premises before announcing his decision.

Who is Obaidul Hassan?

Obaidul Hassan, born on January 11, 1959, has had a distinguished career in law. He served as the 24th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and was previously the president of the Inquiry Committee for the formation of the Bangladesh Election Commission. He holds degrees in Economics and Law from the University of Dhaka. His father, Akhlakul Hossain Ahmed, was a member of the East Pakistan Provincial Assembly, and his mother was Begum Hosne Ara Hossain.

The protests are part of a larger movement that has gripped Bangladesh, ultimately leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Over 450 people, including dozens of police officers, have died in the month-long unrest.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has taken charge as the head of the interim government, urging peace and unity amidst the ongoing violence. Sheikh Hasina, one of Asia’s longest-serving leaders, resigned and fled the country on August 5 under pressure from the relentless protests.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 10, 2024 04:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).