The President Unbound: A Tale of Palace Captivity

In an extraordinary and candid sit-down at the Bangabhaban, President Mohammed Shahabuddin has finally broken his silence on the turbulent eighteen months that redefined Bangladesh. Speaking to Kaler Kantho, the head of state described a period of psychological warfare, restricted movement, and high-stakes constitutional drama that felt less like a presidency and more like a "palace imprisonment."

The Chaos of August 5th

The President recalled the frantic final hour of the Awami League government. While protesters marched on Ganabhaban, the President was initially told that the Prime Minister would seek refuge at the Bangabhaban. "The helicopters were ready, and security took positions," he noted. However, within forty minutes, the narrative shifted from a planned arrival to a sudden departure. By 3:00 PM, the Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-uz-Zaman, confirmed via telephone that the Prime Minister had fled the country.

Steering Through the Constitutional Void

With the government collapsed, the Bangabhaban became the nerve centre for the nation's survival. The President held marathon meetings with the chiefs of the three armed forces and political leaders. He revealed that while there was immense pressure from various quarters to declare a State of Emergency or impose Martial Law, the military leadership remained steadfastly against it.

"The Army Chief had no lust for power," the President asserted. "They wanted an election within 18 months and refused to repeat the mistakes of the 'One-Eleven' era."

To navigate the legal vacuum, the President sought a "shield" from the Supreme Court. On August 8th, through a virtual hearing of the Appellate Division, it was ruled under Article 106 of the Constitution that an Interim Government could be formed to prevent a total breakdown of the state.

The Struggles of a "Captive" President

Perhaps the most poignant part of the interview was the President’s account of his treatment under the Interim Government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus. He described a systematic effort to break his morale, including denying him the right to seek essential medical treatment abroad.

A New Horizon

With the transition to a new government led by Tarique Rahman following the 13th National Parliamentary Elections, President Shahabuddin described himself as "pressure-free and relieved." He praised the new Prime Minister’s "statesmanlike qualities" and expressed hope for a stable future.

When asked about his own tenure, which constitutionally lasts until 2028, the President remained pragmatic. "I am a conscious man. If the elected government wishes for me to stay, I shall. If they prefer I step aside, I will do so honourably. I love to go."

As he looks toward the sunset of his political career, the former judge and veteran of the legal world plans to return to his roots. "I have spent forty years in the courts. If health permits, I shall spend my remaining days as a legal consultant," he concluded.