In a commentary published on August 9, 2026, Amar Desh joint editor M Abdullah examines competing claims of credit for Bangladesh’s July-August 2024 mass uprising and argues that the army played a decisive role. Citing a Reuters report, he says the army chief and senior officers decided on August 4 not to fire on civilians, and that the army chief told Sheikh Hasina the following day that troops could not enforce a nationwide curfew.

The writer says the army’s restrained posture during the August 5 “March to Dhaka” changed the course of events. He claims barriers at Dhaka entry points were eased, while blank fire near Uttara BNS Centre was intended to give Hasina time to leave Ganabhaban. He argues that a full military crackdown could have led to civil war or extensive casualties.

The article also credits students, the anti-discrimination movement’s leaders, student groups and opposition parties including BNP and Jamaat. It alleges that junior and mid-level officers rejected firing on unarmed citizens at an August 3 meeting. The writer calls for recognition of the armed forces’ role while saying accountability is needed over the reported escape of more than 600 people who had taken shelter in cantonments.