In what can only be described as a gripping chronicle of “palace captivity,” President Mohammed Shahabuddin has broken his long silence, detailing the turbulent eighteen months that reshaped the destiny of Bangladesh. In a candid, two-part interview conducted at the Bangabhaban by Kaler Kantho’s Executive Editor Haider Ali and Special Representative Joynal Abedin, the Head of State laid bare the harrowing events of 5 August 2024 and the subsequent psychological pressures he endured.
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The Collapse of a Regime: 5 August
The President recounted the rapid disintegration of the Awami League government with palpable intensity. He noted that the transition from a “mass explosion” of protesters to the total vacuum of power occurred in a mere 40-minute window.
“We had no inkling of the severity until we were told the Prime Minister was preparing to come to the Bangabhaban,” the President remarked. By 12:30 PM, the situation shifted; the Prime Minister had opted for immediate departure from the country instead. Following this, the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force arrived at the palace to navigate a nation on the brink of “bewilderment.”
Constitutional Safeguards and the Interim Shift
A significant portion of the dialogue focused on the legal tightrope walked during the formation of the interim government. President Shahabuddin revealed that he was under immense pressure from various “opportunistic quarters” and foreign agencies to declare a State of Emergency.
However, he credited the chiefs of the armed forces—specifically Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman—for their steadfast refusal to impose martial law. To avoid the risk of “treason” under Articles 7 and 7A of the Constitution, the President sought a formal opinion from the Appellate Division.
| Key Event | Date (2024) | Outcome/Decision |
| Fall of Government | 5 August | Sheikh Hasina leaves the country; military chiefs meet President. |
| Attorney General Appointed | 6 August | Adv. Asaduzzaman appointed via Presidential prerogative. |
| Supreme Court Hearing | 8 August | Appellate Division permits the formation of an interim government. |
| Interim Oath | 8 August | Dr Muhammad Yunus sworn in as Chief Adviser. |
Allegations of Institutional Hostility
Perhaps the most “thrilling” aspect of the interview was the President’s description of his relationship with the interim administration led by Dr Muhammad Yunus. He described a period of profound isolation and “psychological torture” designed to force his resignation.
The President alleged several breaches of protocol and personal rights:
Religious Obstruction: He was reportedly barred from attending the National Eidgah for Eid prayers, a tradition upheld since independence.
Medical Neglect: Despite requiring follow-up cardiac care in Singapore and London, the President claimed his travel requests were summarily rejected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Social Sabotage: The Chief Adviser reportedly declined formal invitations to state functions at the Bangabhaban, breaking long-standing courtesies.
A New Dawn and Future Aspirations
With the conclusion of the 13th National Parliamentary Elections and the appointment of Tarique Rahman as Prime Minister, President Shahabuddin described himself as finally “decompressing.” He spoke highly of the new Prime Minister’s “statesmanlike qualities” and expressed hope for a stable future under the leadership of a “freedom fighter’s son.”
When asked about his own future, the President remained pragmatic. While his term officially runs until 2028, he expressed a willingness to step down gracefully if the elected government desires a change. “I am a man of the law,” he concluded, stating his intent to return to legal consultancy—his profession of forty years—once his duties at the Bangabhaban are complete.