Bangladesh Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha 'forced' to go on leave

Bangladesh Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha is believed to have been forced to go on leave amid reports that the government was upset with him over his decision to scrap parliament's authority in impeaching Supreme Court judges. Sinha, 66, left for Australia , saying he was "embarrassed" over the controversy surrounding his July ruling. He also denied claims by the government that he was sick. "I am the guardian of the judiciary, in the interest of the judiciary I am leaving temporarily so that its image does not get hurt. I will return," he said ahead of his departure for Australia. But Sinha added he "firmly believes" his stance over a recent verdict was misinterpreted to the government, upsetting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina but expected her to realise the fact soon.

Bangladesh Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha Source: Getty Images