Bangladesh’s Chief Justice Agrees to Resign Amidst Massive Protests and Unrest

In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh’s Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan has agreed to resign “in principle” after facing intense pressure from student protesters surrounding the Supreme Court. The protests erupted following Hassan’s decision to convene a full court meeting, which students perceived as a judicial coup. The unrest has been part of a broader wave of demonstrations that have already resulted in over 450 deaths, including many police officers. Amid the escalating situation, Chief Justice Hassan postponed the meeting and later announced his intention to step down after consulting with President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

Bangladesh’s turmoil deepened with the resignation of Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder, though his resignation has yet to be accepted due to the critical nature of his position. This comes just days after four deputy governors were forced to step down following accusations of corruption by hundreds of bank officials. The widespread protests and unrest have led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces serious allegations, including murder and corruption. In response to the unrest, police unions have gone on strike, demanding assurances of their safety before returning to work.

Meanwhile, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has stepped in as Bangladesh’s interim leader, following a call from student protesters. His first act was to appeal for religious unity and stability in the country, a task made urgent by the ongoing violence, which has particularly affected the minority Hindu community. As Bangladesh navigates this turbulent period, Yunus’s leadership is seen as crucial in restoring peace and guiding the nation through upcoming elections.

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