Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed on Wednesday (October 16) sent 12 High Court judges on mandatory leave after inviting them at tea.
There are grave allegations that those 12 judges were involved in corruption and irregularities, it is learnt.
They were also allegedly involved in collaborating with the past Awami League government in various ways.
The judges include Justice Khandaker Diliruzzaman, Justice SM Maniruzzaman, Justice Shahed Nuruddin, Justice SM Masud Hossain Dolon and Justice Md Aminul Islam.
Meanwhile, Hasnat Abdullah, a key coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, issued an ultimatum, demanding the removal of the pro-Awami League "fascist judges" by 2:00pm.
Students participating in a protest around the High Court were chanting various slogans in support of the demand.
Earlier, the Chief Justice invited 12 High Court judges to tea.
According to Supreme Court sources, several judges already responded to the tea invitation and met with the chief justice.
While calling for the removal of the 12 judges, Hasnat also demanded the removal of pro-Awami League lawyers and banning of the Chhatra League as a 'terrorist' organization.
He warned that if the demands were not met by noon, the High Court would remain surrounded.
At noon, Hasnat issued the ultimatum after gathering in front of the Supreme Court Annex Building.
Earlier, a student procession entered the High Court premises demanding the resignation of the "fascist" judges. Since 10:30am, students from Dhaka University and nearby educational institutions started gathering at the footstep of Raju Sculpture at Dhaka University.
They also chanted various slogans saying "Gherao, gherao, gherao hobe, High Court gherao hobe," "Diyechito Rakta, Aro Debo Rakta," "Rakter Bannay, Bheshe Jabe Onnaye," "Fanshi, Fanshi, Fanshi Chai, Khuni Hasinar Fanshi Chai."
