The 65-year-old judge tendered his resignation after consulting President Mohammed Shahabuddin in the evening.
Dhaka: Amid the nationwide protest demanding the resignation of Chief Justice of Bangladesh’s top court, Obaidul Hassan, the top court chief has resigned following intense pressure from protesters surrounding the Supreme Court.
The 65-year-old judge tendered his resignation after consulting President Mohammed Shahabuddin in the evening, The Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported. The chief justice revealed his decision around 1 PM after protesters of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement gathered at the court premises. Hasnat Abdullah, one of the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, issued an ultimatum demanding the resignation of the chief justice and the justices of the Appellate Division.
Abdullah said the protesters threatened to besiege their residences, The Daily Star newspaper said.
Chief Justice Hassan Calls For Full Court Meeting
Earlier, Chief Justice Hassan called for a full court meeting with all justices from both divisions of the Supreme Court. However, the protesting students viewed the convening of the full court meeting as a judiciary coup and announced a siege of the High Court premises.
In the face of student protest, Chief Justice Hassan postponed the meeting and later said that he would step down. Bangladesh Army personnel were deployed at the Supreme Court premises as hundreds of protesting students gathered.
Around 1 PM, army personnel were stationed in the main building, annexe building, and other areas around the Supreme Court. They urged the protesters to maintain peace and called on them to avoid damaging government properties.
Chief Justice Hassan told journalists at the apex court premises that he has decided to resign considering the safety of the judges of Supreme Court, High Court and lower courts across the country amid the emerging situation, The Daily Star reported.
(With inputs from agencies)