President Shahabuddin Lauds Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as "So Cordial" Amid Revelations of a Terrifying 2024 Conspiracy to Oust Him

 President Shahabuddin Lauds Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as "So Cordial" Amid Revelations of a Terrifying 2024 Conspiracy to Oust Him (Imagecollected)

 

President Shahabuddin Lauds Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as "So Cordial" Amid Revelations of a Terrifying 2024 Conspiracy to Oust Him

In a strikingly candid recent interview, Bangladesh's President Mohammed Shahabuddin opened up about one of the most harrowing nights of his life — the dramatic siege of Bangabhaban on October 22, 2024 — while showering praise on current Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman for his unwavering support during those turbulent times. The President's warm words for the man now leading the country stood out: “He was so cordial!”

This glowing endorsement comes at a time when Bangladesh's political landscape continues to evolve following the dramatic shifts of 2024. President Shahabuddin described Tarique Rahman as an exceptionally warm and sincere individual who stood firmly by his side when many others wavered. He emphasized that during the most difficult moments, the top leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) provided 100% cooperation, ensuring constitutional continuity and offering reassurance when chaos threatened to engulf the capital.

The Night of Terror: October 22, 2024 – A Chilling Recollection

The President painted a vivid picture of the events that unfolded on that fateful night, calling it “terrifying” and “nightmarish” for him personally. According to his account:

• Bangabhaban, the official residence of the President, suddenly found itself surrounded by crowds from various hastily formed groups — described vaguely as “so-and-so’s party,” “such-and-such party,” platforms, and alliances.

• These demonstrators appeared almost overnight, equipped with resources that raised eyebrows. The President questioned aloud: Where did they get so much money? He suggested they were the same type of people operating under different names and forums.

• The intent, he alleged, was nothing short of attempting to loot Bangabhaban, mirroring what had happened at Ganobhaban earlier.

• Trucks, covered vans, pushcarts, and other vehicles streamed in via flyovers, carrying uprooted and hired-looking individuals.

Security forces responded decisively. The Ninth Division of the Army arrived swiftly, establishing three layers of protection around the residence. Armored personnel carriers (APCs) and anti-riot measures were deployed to push back the crowds and regain control.

One particularly dramatic moment involved a woman who reportedly leaped over the barbed-wire fence. The President referred to her as a “hired hand”. After sound grenades were used, she fell, then called for a cameraman to photograph her — an act the President interpreted as a setup for blackmail. Female police and army personnel quickly intervened, pulling her away and loading her into a jeep.

Throughout the ordeal, the President remained inside, resolute: “We were in the house. We have nothing here to loot anyway — I wasn’t going to run away.”

Midnight Interventions and Dispersal Efforts

Around midnight, Nahid Islam — a key leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and, at the time, Information Adviser — called the President directly. He explained:

• “We’ve received such news… these people are not ours.”

• He had already spoken with the Chief Adviser.

• Efforts were underway to disperse the unauthorized crowds.

Some locals helped move people away, though remnants lingered. Between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM, the President stayed awake as scattered small groups continued chanting slogans like “Remove the President!” near landmarks such as the Raju Sculpture.

A Beacon of Support in Crisis: Tarique Rahman and the BNP

Amid this chaos, the President repeatedly highlighted the steadfast backing from Tarique Rahman and the BNP leadership. He stated without hesitation that even in those darkest hours, the BNP's top figures stood shoulder-to-shoulder with him, prioritizing stability and the rule of law.

This public commendation — including the personal touch of calling Tarique Rahman “so cordial” — underscores a deepening rapport between key figures in Bangladesh’s current administration and the presidency. It also signals a narrative of unity and gratitude in the post-2024 political order, where alliances forged in crisis continue to shape the country's direction.

Broader Implications for Bangladesh’s Political Future

The President’s reflections serve as a powerful reminder of how fragile political stability can be — and how crucial institutional support becomes during moments of upheaval. By publicly crediting Tarique Rahman’s cordiality and the BNP’s full cooperation, President Shahabuddin appears to reinforce the legitimacy and collaborative spirit of the current government setup.

As Bangladesh moves forward in 2026, stories like this one — blending personal vulnerability, allegations of orchestrated unrest, and cross-party solidarity — add rich layers to the ongoing national conversation about leadership, loyalty, and resilience in turbulent times.

Whether this praise signals stronger ties ahead or simply reflects on a shared trial remains to be seen. For now, the President’s words offer a rare glimpse into the human side of high-stakes politics: even presidents remember — and appreciate — those who stood by them when the night felt endless.