Chief Justice Resigns Amid Protests After Sheikh Hasina: Supreme Court Surrounded by Demonstrators

Bangladesh Chief Justice Obaidul Hasan Resigns Following Sheikh Hasina’s Departure

Protests and Allegations of Collusion with Sheikh Hasina

Following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s Chief Justice, Obaidul Hasan, has also resigned. Student protesters gathered outside the Supreme Court, demanding his resignation. The students warned that if the Chief Justice did not step down, he would face a similar fate as Hasina, implying he might have to flee.

The protesters accused the Chief Justice of colluding with Sheikh Hasina. On Saturday, he convened a full court meeting to discuss the interim government.

Rising Violence and Protests in Bangladesh

Since Hasina’s resignation, incidents of violence, looting, and arson have increased across Bangladesh. In Dhaka, the Hindu Jagaran Manch staged a protest against the ongoing violence. According to the Bengali newspaper Dhaka Tribune, thousands of Hindus gathered at Shahbagh Square to voice their concerns against the violence, chanting “Hare Krishna-Hare Ram.”

Organizers of the Hindu Jagaran Manch claimed that four Hindu villages in Dinajpur were set on fire, leaving people homeless and forcing them into hiding. Since Sheikh Hasina’s departure, attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh have reportedly escalated.

Hindu Community’s Protests and Demands

During the protests, the Hindu community in Bangladesh called for the establishment of a Minority Ministry, the creation of a Minority Protection Commission, and the enactment of a strict law to prevent attacks on minorities. They also demanded that 10% of seats in Parliament be reserved for minorities.

The protesters further demanded compensation for those affected by the violence and called for the reconstruction of demolished temples. They asserted that they were born in this country, that it is the land of their ancestors, and that it belongs to them just as much as anyone else. They declared that they would rather die than leave the country and vowed to stay on the streets to fight for their rights.

Joy’s Statement: Presidential Decision Can Be Challenged in Court

Sheikh Hasina’s son, Joy, stated that his mother wanted to officially resign after making her statement, but the protesters began marching toward the Prime Minister’s residence. He added that his mother did not have time to take any action. As for the constitution, he emphasized that his mother was still the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

Joy mentioned that the President dissolved Parliament after consulting with the Chief of Army Staff and opposition leaders. However, he noted that the acting government could be challenged in court, given that the Prime Minister had not yet formally resigned.

Awami League Expresses Concern

Following the recent violence in Bangladesh, thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have gathered at the border, attempting to cross into India. They are being persuaded to return, and Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League has also expressed concern over the violence against Hindu citizens.

The party posted on social media, stating that since August 5th, Hindus in Bangladesh have been protesting against the attacks on their fellow community members, properties, and temples.

Attacks on Hindus in 52 Districts, Seeking Protection from Mohammad Yunus

Bangladesh has a population of 170 million, with approximately 7.95% (13.5 million) being Hindus. Hinduism is the second-largest religion in Bangladesh. In 61 out of 64 districts, there is a significant Hindu population. Reports suggest that Hindus in Bangladesh are perceived as supporters of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, which has now made them a target.

According to the Bangladesh Hindu, Buddhist, Christian Unity Council, Hindus and their properties have been targeted in 52 out of 64 districts. The council stated that the minority population is being forced to live in fear and has requested safety and security from government head Mohammad Yunus.

Historical Targeting of Hindus and Temples

Hindus and temples in Bangladesh have historically been targeted by extremists. After the general elections in Bangladesh on January 7, 2024, where minorities largely voted for Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, attacks on minorities began, and the government was unable to stop them. Minority organizations have claimed that there are at least three attacks per month.

Following Sheikh Hasina’s swearing-in as the Prime Minister for the fifth time, attacks on Hindus occurred in six districts of Bangladesh, including Kushtia, Bagerhat, Jhenaidah, Gaibandha, Chattogram, and Sylhet.

Declining Hindu Population in Bangladesh

According to the 2011 census, Bangladesh had a population of 165 million, with Hindus making up 8.5% of the population, while Muslims accounted for over 90%. Both Muslims and Hindus in Bangladesh are predominantly Bengali, meaning they share linguistic and cultural similarities, but religious differences have created divisions that extremists exploit.

Bangladesh government data indicates that in the 1980s, the Hindu population was 13.5%. During the 1947 independence of India and Pakistan, when Bangladesh became East Pakistan, the Hindu population was around 30%.

Over approximately four decades, the Hindu population in Bangladesh has decreased from 13.5% to 8.5%. According to the 2011 census, the Hindu population decreased by at least one million in a decade. A report by economist and professor Abdul Barkat of Dhaka University found that due to security and economic reasons, around 750 Hindus are leaving Bangladesh every day, with most of them attempting to migrate to India.