Protesters Surround Bangladesh Supreme Court, Demand Chief Justice's Resignation

The protests were sparked by a full-court meeting called by the Chief Justice without consulting the newly formed interim government. (Image: X)

The protestors alleged that the judges are part of a conspiracy, prompting outrage and demands for accountability.

Days after massive unrest ousted Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh, the students have now turned towards the Supreme Court, and are demanding the resignation of all judges, including the Chief Justice.

According to Daily Star, hundreds of protestors on Saturday reportedly surrounded the Supreme Court and issued an ultimatum to Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and judges of the Appellate Division to resign by 1pm (local time).

According to the reports, the Chief Justice may have left the building as tensions escalated. The protesters have threatened that they would besiege judges’ residences, if they fail to resign before the ultimatum.

Around 10:30am on Saturday, a huge mob, including students and lawyers, started gathering in the Court premises, demanding resignation of the chief justice and the judges of the Appellate Division.

The protests were sparked by a full-court meeting called by the Chief Justice without consulting the newly formed interim government. The protestors alleged that the judges are part of a conspiracy, prompting outrage and demands for accountability. Amid the unrest, the chief justice postponed the full court meeting.

The developments came after Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina fled the violence-hit nation to India after resigning from the post of prime minister. Bangladesh’s Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman took over the administration and announced the formation of an interim government moments after Hasina resigned from her post.

An interim government, led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, was sworn in on Thursday and will be tasked with holding elections. A 16-member council of advisers was announced to assist Yunus in running the state’s affairs.

The country was marred by massive protests over the controversial quota system that reserves 30 per cent of the government jobs for the families of veterans who fought the 1971 liberation war. At least 450 people were killed in more than a month of deadly protests that ended the autocratic rule of 76-year-old embattled leader.