He also urged the political parties to put aside their differences and cooperate towards holding a peaceful election, which reflects the will of the people.

In a press release distributed to the journalists by an advocate in front of his residence at Dhanmondi yesterday evening, Justice Hasan said it is very sad and reflects the will of the people.

In a press release distributed to the journalists by an advocate in front of his residence at Dhanmondi yesterday evening, Justice Hasan said it is very sad and unfortunate that the situation has come to this when the political parties cannot resolve their differences through dialogue.

The release did not mention anything about his 'sickness' while Bangabhaban had earlier claimed that Justice KM Hasan was sick. The police officials deployed at his residence also told the journalists that the justice was sick, but could not say the nature of sickness. No doctor visited his house during the whole day.

"The people of this country deserve better. I was prepared to serve in national interest but the level of mistrust between the political parties has made my position untenable," the press release said.

The former chief justice said he, along with the whole nation, was looking forward to a positive outcome of the dialogue between the two major political parties, but the dialogue collapsed making it obligatory for him to come to this decision.

Hasan said, "It is best I should stand aside rather than be a hurdle to the political process. I am making this gesture to bring in a peaceful atmosphere for the people of Bangladesh and to show my solidarity with them."

"I am doing this in the interest of the people and as one who loves his country," he said.

Justice Hasan said he has taken the decision to facilitate the political process. "There will be people who will be unhappy with this and there will be people who will be pleased."

"I say to them that it is not you in my mind, I have made this decision for the people of Bangladesh. I have always served my country to the best of my ability."

He further said: "I have never shirked my responsibility but I have weighed all the options, given the matter a great deal of thought and consideration and it is not a decision I have come to easily."