Retired General Reveals Army’s Crucial Role in August 5 Power Transition
Major General (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar shared new details about Bangladesh’s historic August 5 power change. Mr. Akbar, former Security Adviser to Begum Khaleda Zia, discussed the army’s key decisions during that time.
Mr. Akbar stated the government’s choice to deploy the army against its citizens was the turning point. He noted that armies rarely succeed against mass movements. During July, people welcomed soldiers. They shook hands and climbed on army vehicles.
This public response deeply influenced the soldiers. Mr. Akbar explained that firing on their own people is very hard. This mood among the troops made the government’s position weak.
On August 3, the Army Chief held a key meeting. He learned that officers would not accept orders to shoot civilians widely. This understanding shaped his later actions.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Army Chief, called Mr. Akbar late on August 4. He requested a meeting for August 5 morning. During their discussion, General Waker-Uz-Zaman sought three goals: stop bloodshed, avoid power, and find a political solution.
The Army Chief asked Mr. Akbar to contact major political leaders. He wanted them ready for urgent talks. Mr. Akbar then reached out to Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir of the BNP. He also contacted other party leaders.
These leaders soon gathered at Army Headquarters. The Army Chief announced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had left the country. He asked for cooperation to form an interim government. This news brought great relief to all present.
They then met President Mohammad Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir asked for Begum Khaleda Zia’s immediate release. The Army Chief confirmed the President had this power. This moved Khaleda Zia’s release forward.
Mr. Akbar proposed three key actions at Bangabhaban. He suggested arresting corrupt police officers, closing airspace to stop accused officials fleeing, and releasing detainees from secret facilities. The Army Chief promised to address these requests.
Retired military officers and their families played a crucial role too. Their open support affected serving soldiers. Mr. Akbar believes their actions helped the army make the right decisions. He said the army is vital for Bangladesh’s stability. Allowing Sheikh Hasina to leave helped prevent greater bloodshed.
