If Sheikh Hasina Had Been Killed on August 5, 500,000 People Would Have Been Massacred” — Explosive Claim by Pavel Haydar Chowdhury

Prominent journalist and political analyst Pavel Haydar Chowdhury has claimed that a large-scale massacre was planned behind Bangladesh’s political turmoil on August 5, 2024. According to him, if former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had been assassinated that day, at least 500,000 progressive and free-thinking citizens across the country would have been targeted and killed.

Speaking recently on his regular program “Janiye Rakhi,” Pavel Haydar Chowdhury discussed what he described as a deep conspiracy surrounding the events of August 5.

He said, “The objective of pro-Pakistan groups and their allies on August 5 was not only to remove the Awami League from power. Their primary mission was to brutally assassinate Sheikh Hasina. If they had succeeded, they would have launched mass killings across the country targeting at least 500,000 people.”

According to his analysis, those allegedly marked as targets included supporters of the Liberation War spirit, progressive activists, intellectuals, writers, journalists, and advocates of free thought.

Pavel Haydar Chowdhury further stated that Sheikh Hasina’s “miraculous survival” and safe departure from the country prevented what could have become a devastating humanitarian catastrophe. “Because Sheikh Hasina survived, the conspirators failed to execute the rest of their plans. Their ultimate objective collapsed, and millions of progressive-minded people were saved,” he added.

During the discussion, he argued that the events of August 5 should not be viewed merely as a political transition. Rather, he described them as part of a broader conspiracy aimed at undermining Bangladesh’s Constitution, national anthem, national flag, and the ideals of the Liberation War.

He also noted that his observations were based on public discussions, political conversations on the streets, and opinions shared by people from different sectors of society. According to him, history will eventually reveal the true depth of the alleged conspiracy and how the country narrowly escaped a massive human tragedy.

Political observers believe such remarks are likely to spark fresh debate in the country’s political arena. However, no official response has yet been issued by the relevant authorities regarding these claims.