In Jatrabari, Mohammad Alim crouched beside the flyover railing as bullets whizzed overhead. He tried to protect his head while others joined him for cover. Bullets were being fired continuously from the nearby Jatrabari Police Station, and that white building became a symbol of terror that day.
Jatrabari turned into Bangladesh's own "Stalingrad", the fiercest front of the uprising. While people elsewhere were celebrating the ousted Sheikh Hasina's fall, in Jatrabari, the bloodshed continued, and many lost their limbs, their eyesight, or their lives.
According to media reports, more than 100 people were killed on 5 August across the country.
At least 52 people died in Jatrabari alone, along with six police officers, reports the BBC.
Deaths were also reported in Savar, Uttara, and other areas, where common people joined the protests.
The day was not only the day the regime fell, but it was also a day of mourning. Amid the joy of victory, there was grief over the lives lost.
Alim survived by luck, but many others were not as fortunate.
Breaking the Curfew
"After daybreak, I checked the streets at Bangla Motor a few times. They were mostly empty, with army patrol teams passing by. I tried to reach Shahbagh but was stopped at a checkpoint. They said no movement was allowed due to the curfew. I was waiting for more people to come so we could break the curfew together," said Mahbub Hossain.
Dhaka's streets were relatively quiet, with law enforcement patrolling, which seemed to indicate the government still had control. However, as the day progressed, everything changed. Waves of protesters began marching towards the Ganabhaban.
As the crowds grew, Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy went live on Facebook around 1:00pm.
"It's not our concern what happens to you after Sheikh Hasina is gone and this is no longer a movement, but it's terrorism," he said.
Joy accused protesters of killing police and journalists, setting fire to homes, and committing acts of violence.
"Without Hasina, Bangladesh would not have developed as it did, and no one could have imagined such progress without her."
Overcoming fear and threats, people flooded the streets. Hasina left for India with her sister, Sheikh Rehana, in a military helicopter around 2:30pm.
Interim govt will be formed: army chief
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman would address the nation at 2pm. However, his speech was delayed until 3:45pm, and he declared the formation of an interim government.
"We invited all political leaders for a discussion to decide the form of an interim government that will run the country. We will now speak with the President and take steps accordingly," Waqar said.
He promised justice for the killings and crimes during the uprising.
"Leaders from the BNP, Jamaat, Jatiya Party, and civil society, including Dr Asif Nazrul, were present at the meeting," he said.
Ganabhaban taken over
The Ganabhaban had already fallen to protesters by noon. Protesters were seen grabbing whatever they could. People took fish from the ponds, food from the freezer, ducks from the fields, framed photos, furniture, even sarees, and other things they found inside.
That night, student leaders held a press conference to thank the nation and promised to make a roadmap for an interim national government within 24 hours. Nahid Islam, one of the coordinators, urged everyone to protect lives and public property.
"Our coordinators across the country must ensure the safety of every citizen and safeguard national assets, even the law enforcement agencies have already responded positively to this message," he said.
Violence continues
After the regime fell, widespread attacks were reported on the residences of the Awami League leaders. Some residences of minority communities were also targeted, and several sculptures were vandalised. The house of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi 32 was set on fire.
The human rights group Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) condemned these acts in a statement: "We have received reports of attacks on religious minorities, especially Hindus, as well as on media houses and journalists."
ASK urged authorities to ensure the safety of all citizens, especially minorities, and to take responsible steps to restore order.
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