Bangladesh's Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan has resigned following protests by students and demonstrators, as the country's interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus takes charge after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and departure to India.
The law, justice, and parliamentary affairs adviser to the interim government confirmed the receipt of the resignation letter and stated that it would be forwarded to the country's President for further procedures. Additionally, five other top judges in the Supreme Court also resigned as part of the government's efforts to reorganize the judiciary.
Tensions escalated as protesters demanded the resignation of the chief justice and other top court judges, citing concerns about political influence and corruption within the judiciary. Student leader Asif Mahmud urged supporters to gather at the court premises to press for the judges' unconditional resignations.
The student-led protests initially began against a government job quota system perceived as favoring individuals connected to Hasina's party. The movement evolved into a broader call for reforms and accountability, resulting in widespread unrest and casualties.
Yunus, who was sworn in as the head of the interim government, visited the family of a deceased student whose death sparked nationwide protests. He emphasized the need for unity and peaceful activism in the face of challenges.
The interim government, comprising members from civil society and student leaders, aims to address public demands for reforms and pave the way for new elections. However, the timeline for the elections remains uncertain, with differing perspectives from political parties and analysts.
Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate known for his microcredit initiatives, faces the task of steering Bangladesh through a period of transition and uncertainty following Hasina's resignation. The country's political landscape is fraught with challenges, including allegations of human rights abuses and corruption under the previous administration.
As Bangladesh navigates this critical juncture, the interim government under Yunus's leadership seeks to restore stability, address grievances, and pave the way for a democratic transition.
