Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Supreme Court in Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, calling for Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan to step down. Hassan, who is seen as a loyalist to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, agreed “in principle” to resign after an ultimatum from the protesters. The students viewed Hassan’s actions as a potential “judicial coup” and demanded his immediate resignation. Hassan’s resignation was expected to be confirmed after consultations with President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
Prime Minister Hasina recently fled to India amid accusations of human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings of political opponents during her 15-year rule. Hassan oversaw a controversial war crimes tribunal that ordered the execution of Hasina’s opponents, leading to further backlash from the protesters.
Amidst the political upheaval, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has taken office as the chief adviser to a transitional government, with the aim of holding elections within a few months. Yunus has emphasized the need for religious unity and building a “new Bangladesh” in the wake of the protests and violence. He visited the family of a student killed by police during the protests, highlighting the need for solidarity and standing up for justice in the country.
The protests and demands for resignations have shaken the political landscape in Bangladesh, with key figures like the national police chief and the central bank governor being forced out of office. The call for a transitional government and new elections signals a turning point for the country as it navigates through the aftermath of Hasina’s departure.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com