President Mohammed Shahabuddin has revealed what transpired at Bangabhaban on August 5, 2024, the day the Awami League government collapsed amid a massive public uprising.

In a recent interview given at his office in Bangabhaban to a private media outlet, the President recalled that the movement against the government suddenly turned into an uncontrollable popular explosion. “No one could have anticipated what was about to happen that day,” he said.

The President stated that as protesters began marching toward Ganabhaban, he was informed that the Prime Minister might arrive at Bangabhaban at any moment. “Around noon, I was told that she was preparing to come here and that a helicopter was ready. Until then, we had no clear idea of how serious the situation was. But once we heard she might arrive, we realized the gravity of the crisis,” he said.

He added that all security personnel at Bangabhaban immediately took their positions. However, around 12:30 p.m., he was informed that the Prime Minister would not be coming. “Shortly afterward, we heard that she had left the country. Within just 30 to 40 minutes, the entire situation changed dramatically,” the President recalled.

President Shahabuddin said that around 3:00 p.m. that day, Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman first briefed him over the phone about the developments. He was also informed by other armed forces divisions. Later, he was told that the Army Chief would brief the media on the overall situation.

“We watched the briefing on television, where he confirmed that the Prime Minister had left the country. This helped reassure the public,” the President said. Soon after, the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force arrived at Bangabhaban and held an extensive discussion with him about the unfolding crisis.

Describing the atmosphere, the President said they were initially at a loss about what steps to take. After two to three hours of discussion, it was decided that leaders of all political parties would be consulted. The Army facilitated the process of bringing political leaders together at Army Headquarters. Leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement were also included among those who were available.

A second meeting was then held at Bangabhaban, chaired by the President, with the Army Chief moderating. “Our top priority was restoring peace and stability in the country. We discussed what decisions could bring immediate relief to the people,” he said.

During the meeting, three key proposals emerged: formation of a caretaker government, a national or all-party government, and an interim government. The President explained that the term “caretaker government” risked evoking memories of the One-Eleven period, while a national government could turn into a long-term arrangement. “After careful consideration, senior political leaders agreed that an interim government would be the most appropriate solution,” he said.

Following the decision, the President was tasked with addressing the nation to reassure the public. He delivered his speech at 11:00 p.m. that night, while the responsibility for forming the interim government was left to political leaders, with the armed forces providing necessary support.

Source: Kaler Kantho