Bangladesh: Chief Justice Resigns Following Ultimatum from Student Protesters

Dhaka: The Chief Justice of Bangladesh, appointed just last year and widely regarded as a close ally of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has agreed "in principle" to step down after facing mounting pressure from student protesters surrounding the Supreme Court, according to reports from Jamuna TV.

The decision comes after demonstrators issued an ultimatum demanding his resignation. These protests are part of the broader unrest that contributed to the downfall of Hasina’s 15-year rule. The ongoing turmoil has resulted in over 450 fatalities, including numerous police officers, as violence continues to escalate across the country.

The situation has further deteriorated with the police union announcing a strike, vowing not to return to work until assurances are provided regarding their safety.

Amidst the chaos, Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, made a heartfelt plea for religious unity, embracing the grieving mother of a student who was fatally shot by police—a tragic incident that has become a focal point of the mass protests leading to Hasina’s ouster.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina, who has been staying in New Delhi since Monday, plans to return to Bangladesh and participate in upcoming elections. The unrest has also triggered attacks on the homes and businesses of the minority Hindu community, prompting hundreds in northwest Bangladesh to seek refuge across the border in India.