Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary to the Chief Adviser, recently revealed how he first received the news about Sheikh Hasina fleeing during the people’s uprising on August 5 last year. In an exclusive interview with a private television channel, he shared tense moments, fears, and how he confirmed the news for international media like AFP.
First Hints of Something Big Happening
On the morning of August 5, 2024, Shafiqul Alam noticed something unusual in Dhaka.
“গত বছরের ৫ আগস্ট সকাল থেকেই শুনছিলাম যে লোকজন জড়ো হয়ে ঢাকামুখী হচ্ছে।”
“From the morning of August 5 last year, I was hearing that people were gathering and heading toward Dhaka.”
Press Secretary also noticed that police presence in the city was thinner than usual, which added to the tension.
The Moment He Learned Hasina Had Left
At around 12:45 PM, curiosity led him to make a call to someone he trusted.
“তিনি বললেন, উনি (শেখ হাসিনা) তো গণভবন ছেড়ে চলে গেছেন। দেখেন ভারতেও চলে যেতে পারেন!”
“He said, she (Sheikh Hasina) had left Ganabhaban. She might even go to India!”
Hearing this, he immediately informed his higher-ups at AFP. But there was a dilemma.
Read More: Fire Erupts at Manik Mia Avenue Event Rally – 12 Injured in Balloon Blast
The Fear of Reporting It Wrong
AFP didn’t want to publish the news based on a single anonymous source.
“কারণ শেখ হাসিনা চলে গিয়ে আগরতলায় নামতে না পেরে আবার ফিরে এলে তখন তো আমার সংবাদটাকে ভুয়া বলা হবে।”
“Because if Sheikh Hasina failed to land in Agartala and came back, my report would be called fake.”
Press Secretary was deeply worried that he might face serious consequences if the news turned out to be incorrect.
“বা সে যদি টিকে যেত, তাহলে তো বলত যে আমি রাষ্ট্রদ্রোহিতার কাজ করেছি।”
“If she had remained in power, they would say I committed treason.”
Confirmation from a Second Source
To avoid risk, AFP waited until Shafiqul got confirmation from another source. The second source gave more information about huge crowds approaching Dhaka.
“তাদের কাছে তথ্য ছিল যে উত্তরা থেকে ৫ লাখ লোক আসছে।”
“They had information that 500,000 people were coming from Uttara.”“আর শনির আখড়া, যাত্রাবাড়ী ওই দিক থেকে আরও সাড়ে ৩ লাখ লোক আসছে।”
“And another 350,000 people were coming from Shonir Akhra and Jatrabari.”
SSF (Special Security Force) informed that it would be impossible to stop such a large crowd.
Hasina Wanted to Make a Speech
Sheikh Hasina, sensing her time was up, wanted to record a farewell speech for the nation on BTV.
“শেখ হাসিনা বিটিভিকে ডেকে জাতির উদ্দেশে একটা ভাষণ রেকর্ড করতে চেয়েছিলেন।”
“Sheikh Hasina wanted to call BTV and record a speech for the nation.”
But SSF didn’t allow her. Time was running out.
Escape Plan Changed at the Last Moment
The original escape route through Jahangir Gate and Kurmitola Airbase was dropped after receiving a warning.
“তারা খবর পেল, উত্তরার জনস্রোত এরইমধ্যে বিমানবন্দরের কাছাকাছি চলে এসেছে।”
“They got news that the crowd from Uttara had already reached near the airport.”
They then changed their plan and took a helicopter from Tejgaon’s old airport.
Breaking the News to the World
After confirming from two sources, AFP released the breaking report. Bangladeshi newspapers and TV stations picked it up quickly.
“ব্রেকিং হওয়ার পর তারা এএফপি সূত্র দিয়ে শেখ হাসিনা চলে যাওয়ার কথা জানায়।”
“After the breaking news, they reported Sheikh Hasina’s departure citing AFP.”
Shafiqul was under immense mental pressure.
“কারণ যদি এমন হতো যে তিনি আবার ফিরে এসেছেন, তখন তো আমার লাইফ শেষ!”
“Because if she had come back, my life would have been over!”
Press Secretary said he started reciting Quranic verses in fear.
Final Confirmation: Army Chief’s Speech
Around 2 PM, a scroll on BTV confirmed the army chief would speak to the nation.
“তখন আমি বুঝলাম, সে চলে গেছে।”
“Then I realized, she had left.”
That moment brought him relief after hours of anxiety.
Source: TDC
