Jurists demand resignation of CJ, 50 HC judges

Supreme Court lawyers have called for the resignation of 50 judges from the Supreme Court's Appellate and High Court Divisions, including Chief Justice Obaidul Hasan.

The demand was made by Supreme Court lawyer Syed Mamun Mahabub during a press conference at the Supreme Court Bar Association’s South Hall on Thursday (August 8). Several other lawyers were also present.

In a separate press briefing, Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Mahbub Uddin Khokon echoed the call for the immediate resignation of the controversial judges. He emphasised the demand for the Chief Justice and other partisan judges to step down, and urged the president to reopen the Supreme Court by Sunday.

"The students who led the recent uprising have demanded the resignation of all the controversial judges of the Appellate Division, including the Chief Justice. We support this demand. They must resign by today," Mahbub Uddin stated. He assured that judges who have conducted their duties with honesty and courage have nothing to fear.

The country’s highest court has been in a state of paralysis following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina from the post of Prime Minister on Monday (August 5) and her subsequent departure from the country. Since then, officials appointed to major positions during her government have been removed or have resigned voluntarily.

On Wednesday (August 7), Attorney General AM Amin Uddin, the state's chief law officer, resigned. This was followed by the resignation of Additional Attorney General Sheikh Mohammad (SK) Morsed. Another Additional Attorney General, SM Munir, resigned on Thursday, submitting his resignation to the Attorney General's Office.