Published at: 2024-08-11Syed Refaat Ahmed was sworn in as Bangladesh’s new chief justice on August 11, following the resignation of Obaidul Hassan from the top judicial position. Hassan, along with five other judges from the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division, stepped down on August 10, just days after Sheikh Hasina’s government was overthrown by widespread protests demanding judicial reforms.
Hassan’s resignation came in response to a 1 pm deadline set by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who gathered at the Supreme Court calling for his and the other judges’ departure.
Justice Ahmed took his oath of office at around 12:45 pm local time in a ceremony held at the Darbar Hall of the president’s official residence, as reported by The Daily Star. The oath was administered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, with Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain supervising the event.