Chief Justice Hassan has submitted his resignation, says law advisor

Asif Nazrul expects the resignation proceedings to be completed by today

Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan has submitted his resignation amid demands for him to step down from the top post in the judiciary following the change in power, says Asif Nazrul, the interim government’s advisor to the law ministry.

“Our chief justice submitted his resignation a short while ago, " he said in a Facebook video message on Saturday morning. “His resignation papers have arrived at the law ministry.”

“We will forward it to the president without delay for proper processing. I expect it to be done very quickly – within a few hours.”

Only the chief justice’s resignation letter had been received by the ministry, Nazrul said.

“There is no update regarding the others. Please, everyone, remain calm. Do not damage the nation’s resources.”

Later, at his office in the Secretariat, the advisor told the media:

"The next step [in the chief justice’s resignation] is my signature as the legal advisor and then it will go to the office of Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus. He is now in Rangpur or possibly on an aircraft. After he lands, it will be forwarded to the president subject to his approval. It will come into effect if the president accepts it.”

“We hope it will happen today. After this, the process of appointing a new chief justice will begin. I don't want to say anything more about it."

When asked who the new chief justice will be, Nazrul said: "We will not discuss it, but I will note one thing - we will take into consideration the opinion of the chief justice. I will talk to all those concerned. If my ministry has any role to play in this matter, I will try to appoint the most qualified, honest and impartial person as chief justice.”

Protesting students are also demanding the resignation of other Appellate Division judges.

In this regard, Nazrul said: "I have heard the demands for the resignations of those who are in the Appellate Division. I have heard that others have also decided to resign. However, the resignation letters have not yet come to the law ministry.”