Six HC judges meet CJ, sent on leave

Six High Court judges, accused of collaborating with the ousted Hasina government, have been placed on leave. 

Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed personally informed the judges of the decision in separate meetings on Wednesday. The judges met with the Chief Justice individually between 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm.

The judges who met with the Chief Justice include Justice SM Moniruzzaman, Justice Khondkar Diliruzzaman, Justice Shahed Nuruddin, Justice Md Akhtaruzzaman, Justice Md Aminul Islam, and Justice SM Masud Hossain Dolon. 

Most of the judges declined to comment on the meetings, though two confirmed they were on leave until December 18, while two others mentioned taking leave without specifying a time frame.

The leave decision comes amid rising pressure from the anti-discrimination student movement, which has called for the resignation of "partisan and corrupt" judges within the High Court. 

Earlier on the day, students staged a High Court siege to press these demands. 

Reports suggest that in response to the allegations, the Chief Justice invited 12 High Court judges for a tea. It is rumoured that all the 12 judges may be placed on leave.

Officials from the Supreme Court's Public Relations Department and the office of the Registrar General have yet to confirm or comment on these developments.