KATHMANDU, Aug 10: Chief Justice of Bangladesh Obaidul Hassan has decided to step down from his post after protestors issued an ultimatum demanding his resignation, according to local media reports.
His decision followed a protest today by students who set a deadline for him and judges of the Appellate Division to resign by 1:00 PM local time.
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According to a report by the Daily Star, the agitating students threatened to besiege the judges' residences if they failed to meet the ultimatum, said Hasnat Abdullah, one of the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, speaking from the Supreme Court premises.
The Chief Justice told journalists at the Supreme Court premises that he has decided to resign in consideration of the safety of judges in the Supreme Court, High Court, and lower courts across the country amid the emerging situation.
"There are some formalities for the resignation. After completing those, I will send my resignation letter to President Mohammed Shahabuddin by this evening," he added.
When asked whether other judges of the Supreme Court would also resign, the Chief Justice said, "It's up to them to make that decision."
