President Reveals Two Years of Political Turmoil

Breaking his silence following the departure of the interim government, President Mohammad Sahabuddin has provided a comprehensive account of the tumultuous events of the past eighteen months. His remarks were published in a detailed interview with Dainik Kaler Kantho on Monday, shedding light on alleged conspiracies and political manoeuvrings during the interim period.

Despite remaining largely out of the public spotlight, the President said, he was the subject of multiple plots intended to destabilise the country and create a constitutional vacuum. “Numerous schemes aimed at permanently destroying national peace and constitutional continuity were attempted, yet none succeeded because I remained steadfast in my decisions,” he stated.

Facing Protests and Threats

The President recounted the October 22, 2024, siege of Bengabhaban, describing it as a night of “horrific chaos.” Multiple groups—some ostensibly student movements, others created overnight—attempted to breach the presidential residence. Despite provocations, including individuals leaping over barbed wire and detonating sound grenades, the military intervened with three layers of security, controlling the situation effectively.

When asked about support during these critical moments, he acknowledged that senior leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party stood by him. “They expressed their commitment to upholding constitutional continuity, which reinforced my resolve,” he said.

Attempts to Remove the President

President Sahabuddin revealed that even after political initiatives failed, the interim government pursued unconstitutional measures, including attempting to install a former chief justice in his place. “The justice, however, refused, recognising the President as constitutionally supreme,” he said. The President emphasised that support from the three armed forces chiefs was crucial in preventing unconstitutional action.

Exclusion from State and International Affairs

He also criticised the interim government’s systematic attempts to marginalise him. Invitations to international summits were blocked, his image was removed from Bangladeshi missions worldwide, and his participation in domestic ceremonies was restricted. “The government wanted to erase my presence entirely,” he said. Even interactions with the chief adviser were minimal; none of the 133 ordinances issued during the period were properly coordinated with him.

Despite all adversities, the President remained resolute, asserting that his sole priority was maintaining constitutional continuity. “It was Allah’s will and my determination that saw me through,” he concluded.

Key Events During Interim Government (2023–2024)

The President’s revelations mark one of the most detailed public disclosures of political strife in recent Bangladeshi history, offering insight into both domestic power struggles and the resilience of constitutional institutions.