Protesters Surround Bangladesh Supreme Court, Demand Judges' Resignation

Protesters in Bangladesh on Saturday surrounded the Supreme Court in Dhaka, demanding that Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and the Appellate Division judges resign by 1pm local time. The protests, primarily led by students, follow recent political turmoil that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The demonstrations escalated after the Chief Justice convened a full-court meeting without consulting the newly formed interim government. The students alleged that the judiciary was part of a conspiracy and refused to disperse even after the meeting was abruptly canceled. Reports suggest that the Chief Justice may have fled the premises amid the rising tensions.

By 10:30am on Saturday, several hundred protesters, including students and lawyers, had gathered at the Supreme Court, increasing pressure on the judiciary. The protesters have threatened to besiege the judges’ residences if their demands are not met by the set deadline.

The unrest comes in the wake of a student-led uprising that forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and leave the country on August 5. Following Hasina’s departure, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed to lead the interim government.