Bangladesh Chief Justice Resigns After Ultimatum From Student Protesters [Video]

Dhaka:

The Chief Justice of Bangladesh’s top court, Obaidul Hassan, agreed to resign “in principle” following intense pressure from protesters surrounding the Supreme Court, broadcaster Jamuna TV reported. 

The 65-year-old judge will tender his resignation after consulting President Mohammed Shahabuddin in the evening, The Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported.

The protests started after Mr Hassan called for a full court meeting with all justices from both divisions of the Supreme Court. 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.

Hassan, appointed last year and seen as a loyalist to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was given an one-hour ultimatum to resign.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder has also resigned but his resignation has not been …