- Reuters
- 54 Minutes ago

Student protests lead to judicial shake-up in Bangladesh
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- Web Desk
- Aug 11, 2024

DHAKA: Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed was appointed Chief Justice of Bangladesh following widespread student protests that recently forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee the country.
The protests were led by Asif Mahmud and supported by other student leaders. It culminated in a demonstration at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.
Read more: Hundreds protest in Dhaka over violence against Hindus in Bangladesh
Students issued an ultimatum for the resignation of several key judges, including the Chief Justice of Bangladesh. They threatened to escalate their actions if their demands were not met by the deadline.
In response to the pressure, Chief Justice Obaidul Hasan resigned. Justice Ashfaqul Islam was named Acting Chief Justice but was promptly rejected from the student movement, who criticised him for his ties to the previous administration.
Following continued unrest, President Mohammad Shahabuddin appointed Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed as the new Chief Justice.
Justice Refaat Ahmed has a notable legal background in Bangladesh, coming from a long line of jurists. His father, Barrister Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed, previously served as Attorney General and his mother, Dr Sophia Ahmad Malik, was a professor at Dhaka University.
Read more: Son says ‘Sheikh Hasina will return to Bangladesh for elections’
In addition, five Supreme Court judges resigned amid the protests. The judges who resigned include Justice Enayetur Rahim, Justice Abu Zafor Siddique, Justice Mohammad Jahangir Hossain, Justice Shahinoor Islam, and Justice Kashefa Hussain.
Their resignations were submitted through the Bangladesh’s Ministry of Law.
