What happened at Bangabhaban on August 5, President reveals

President Md Sahabuddin has spoken about the atmosphere at Bangabhaban on the day the Awami League government fell.

He said the movement that led to the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, turned into a mass explosion. No one could anticipate what was about to happen that day.

In a recent interview with private media outlet Kaler Kantho at his Bangabhaban office, he shared his experiences of that day.

The President said, "When protesters were heading towards Ganabhaban, I was informed that the Prime Minister might arrive at Bangabhaban any moment. At 12 pm, I was told she was preparing to come to Bangabhaban. Before that, we couldn't anticipate what was actually going to happen. However, when they said she was coming and the helicopter was ready, we could grasp the severity of the situation."

Sahabuddin said, "All security personnel at Bangabhaban took positions. Around 12:30 pm, we were informed that she was not coming. When we learned she wasn't coming, we remained cautious. Shortly after, I heard she had left the country. At one point, I learned she had already gone abroad. Overall, within 30 to 40 minutes, I could see very rapid changes in the sequence of events."

He further said, "Around 3 pm that day, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman first informed me of all developments by telephone. I was also informed by the armed forces division. Later, I was told that Waker would brief journalists about the entire situation."

The President said, "He gave the briefing; we watched on television. He said the Prime Minister had left the country. The nation was reassured that she had already gone abroad. Then the Army Chief called and said they were coming. The chiefs of army, navy and air force—all three came to Bangabhaban. They arrived and began discussing the overall situation with me."

Describing everyone's state of near confusion at that time, the President said, "We discussed what could be done, how things would proceed—for about two to three hours. It was decided that leaders of all political parties would be called. An army team was assigned this task. Then they left."

"Leaders of the country's political parties were gathered at Army Headquarters. Some leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement were also among them. With those available at the time, they came to Bangabhaban again. We sat for another meeting."

"In this meeting at Bangabhaban, we gave utmost importance to the country's peace and stability. A long discussion was held on what kind of decisions could restore relief to the people. The meeting was held under my chairmanship. The Army Chief conducted it, explaining the entire situation."

The President further said several proposals emerged collectively in that meeting. Three main proposals were specifically put forward: a caretaker government, an all-party or national government, and an interim government. Regardless of the name, the objectives would be identical.

"Calling it a caretaker government might sound like the 1/11 situation. Again, an all-party or national government could become long-term. Considering various aspects, our wise politicians decided that an interim government should be formed."

"After this decision, the responsibility fell upon me to address the nation and reassure the people. And they would discuss among themselves and finalise the government's formation process. Following this decision, Professor Asif Nazrul briefed journalists on the situation's progress."

"I had to address the nation at 11 pm. The process of forming an interim government was left to them. The army and political leaders would discuss and handle this. The army would remain, assisting in everything."