Protests Erupt in Bangladesh as Students Demand Resignation of Supreme Court Judges
Dhaka, Bangladesh – August 10, 2024: In an unprecedented move, hundreds of student protesters gheraoed the Supreme Court in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Saturday, demanding the resignation of all judges, including Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan. The protesters, mostly students from various universities, gathered in front of the Supreme Court building, chanting slogans and holding banners that read “Resign, Resign” and “We Want Justice.”
The protest was sparked by allegations of corruption and bias within the judiciary, particularly in relation to a recent controversial verdict. The students claim that the judges have failed to deliver justice and have instead protected the interests of the ruling party.
“We are here to demand justice and accountability from the judiciary,” said one of the protest leaders, who wished to remain anonymous. “The judges have failed to uphold the constitution and have instead become puppets of the government.”
The protesters also demanded the implementation of reforms within the judiciary, including the appointment of impartial judges and the establishment of an independent judicial commission.
The situation remains tense, with a heavy police presence surrounding the Supreme Court building. So far, there have been no reports of violence or arrests.
The protest has garnered widespread support on social media, with many Bangladeshis expressing solidarity with the students and demanding reforms within the judiciary.
The Chief Justice, Obaidul Hassan, has yet to comment on the protests, but sources close to the judiciary say that an emergency meeting has been convened to discuss the situation.
As the protests continue, the fate of Bangladesh’s judiciary hangs in the balance. Will the government and the judiciary heed the demands of the students, or will the situation escalate further? Only time will tell.