Student Protesters Demand Supreme Court Chief Justice’s Resignation Amid Political Unrest in Bangladesh

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/11th August 2024

In a dramatic escalation of political unrest in Bangladesh, hundreds of student demonstrators surrounded the Supreme Court on August 10, 2024, demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and other judges. This intense standoff follows recent political turmoil that led to the ousting and exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The protesters, who have taken a hard stance against the judiciary, issued an ultimatum to the Supreme Court judges, giving them just one hour to step down. They warned that if their demands were not met, they would escalate their actions by besieging the judges’ residences. The atmosphere outside the Supreme Court was charged with tension as the demonstrators, which included a significant number of lawyers, assembled in large numbers.

In the wake of these events, it is reported that Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan may have vacated the Supreme Court building, fearing further escalation. The Chief Justice, who was appointed to his position last year, has been perceived as a loyalist to the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Amid the mounting pressure, it has been announced that Hassan has agreed to resign “in principle,” although the exact details and timeline remain uncertain.

This unprecedented demonstration follows a series of dramatic events in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had served as the country’s leader three times, was forced to flee to neighboring India on August 5, 2024. The situation escalated rapidly as thousands of protesters marched towards her residence in Dhaka, ultimately storming her official residence, Ganabhaban. The protesters, in a highly charged display of dissent, were seen consuming food from Hasina’s home, swimming in her pool, and looting personal items including sarees, animals, and mattresses.

The political crisis has been marked by severe violence, with over 450 people reported dead due to the unrest, including numerous police officers who were casualties of the violent clampdowns on demonstrations. The recent resignation of Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder on August 9, 2024, further underscores the depth of the political instability. Talukder’s resignation, which he attributed to “personal reasons,” came in the wake of protesters storming the central bank’s headquarters, adding to the chaotic political climate.

As the situation unfolds, the caretaker administration led by Yunus has declared the restoration of law and order as its top priority. The current government faces the monumental task of stabilizing the country amid ongoing protests and significant political upheaval. The events surrounding Sheikh Hasina’s departure and the subsequent protests have highlighted the intense public dissatisfaction and the broader political crisis facing Bangladesh.

The demand for the resignation of the Chief Justice and the dramatic scenes at the Supreme Court reflect the deepening political turmoil and the urgent need for resolution in Bangladesh’s current crisis.