Will Not Leave Streets Until Remaining 6 Judges Resign

Will Not Leave Streets Until Remaining 6 Judges Resign. In a determined stand against perceived judicial injustice, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has declared they will not leave the streets until the remaining six judges of the Appellate Division resign. This announcement was made by Rifat Rashid, one of the coordinators of the protest, during a press briefing on Saturday afternoon.

Rifat Rashid emphasized that while Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan had stepped down, the battle is far from over. “Even though the chief justice has resigned, the other six justices have not yet. We will not leave the streets until they resign,” Rifat asserted.

He pointed out that if the chief justice’s position remains vacant, one of the six remaining judges would inevitably step into the role, perpetuating what the protesters see as an unjust system. “If the chief justice is not there, automatically, one among the six will take his place. We will stay on the streets until they resign,” he added.

The resignation of Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan marks a significant victory for the students, who have been protesting against the judiciary’s actions for some time. Chief Justice Hassan stepped down amid mounting pressure from the student movement, which accused him and other members of the judiciary of bias and failing to uphold justice.

Earlier that day, Chief Justice Hassan had convened a full court meeting, which included all judges from both divisions of the Supreme Court. This meeting, however, was abruptly adjourned, further fueling the students’ anger. The protesters interpreted the full court meeting as an attempt to consolidate power, describing it as a “judiciary coup.”

In response to the perceived coup, the students escalated their actions, announcing plans to lay siege to the High Court. Hasnat Abdullah, another coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, issued a stern ultimatum, demanding the resignation of all Appellate Division judges, including the chief justice.

Speaking from the High Court premises around 11 a.m., Abdullah warned, “If you do not resign, we will surround the residences of the Chief Justice and the other party judges and force them to resign.”

The protesters then took up positions on the court premises, chanting slogans and calling for the immediate resignation of the remaining judges. Their resolve to see through their demands reflects the deep discontent and frustration with the judicial system, which they believe has failed to serve the interests of justice.

As the situation continues to unfold, the protest movement remains steadfast in its commitment to pressuring the judiciary until all their demands are met. The resignation of the chief justice is seen as just the beginning, with the students vowing to continue their struggle for a more just and impartial judiciary in Bangladesh.