General Waker-uz-Zaman Takes Over As Bangladesh Army Chief Amidst Political Turmoil

In a dramatic turn of events, General Waker-uz-Zaman has stepped into the role of interim leader of Bangladesh following the resignation and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The country has been rocked by widespread protests, with thousands storming and vandalizing Hasina’s official residence in Dhaka. The protesters, angered by the government’s actions, demolished a statue of Hasina’s father, Mujibur Rahman, and set fire to her party’s offices. At 76, Hasina’s resignation marks the end of her tenure amid mounting unrest.

In his address to the nation, General Waker-uz-Zaman confirmed Hasina’s resignation and announced the formation of an interim government. The Army Chief emphasized his commitment to restoring peace and stability in Bangladesh. He called for an end to the violence and pledged to investigate recent killings. Zaman urged students and protesters to remain calm and return to their homes, stressing that the military would take responsibility for maintaining law and order.

General Waker-uz-Zaman, who was appointed Army Chief on June 23, 2024, is a seasoned military leader with a career spanning over three decades. Born in Dhaka in 1966, he is 58 years old and married to Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman, the daughter of former Army Chief General Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman, who served from 1997 to 2000. Zaman holds advanced degrees in Defence Studies from the National University of Bangladesh and King’s College, London, and is an alumnus of the Bangladesh Military Academy.

Before his current appointment, General Zaman served as Chief of General Staff, overseeing military operations, intelligence, UN peacekeeping missions, and the military budget. His distinguished career includes commanding an Infantry Battalion, an Independent Infantry Brigade, and an Infantry Division. He has also held various key staff roles, including serving as a staff officer at an Infantry Brigade and the School of Infantry and Tactics. He was notably involved as an instructor at the Non-Commissioned Officers’ Academy and the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operations Training.

General Zaman’s close working relationship with Sheikh Hasina includes his role as Principal Staff Officer at the Armed Forces Division under the Prime Minister’s Office. His leadership was recognized with the commanding of the National Victory Day Parade for three consecutive years. He has been awarded the ‘Extraordinary Service Medal (OSP)’ and ‘Army Medal of Glory (SGP)’ for his contributions to modernizing the army.

With the current unrest, General Waker-uz-Zaman faces the challenge of navigating Bangladesh through a period of significant political upheaval. As the situation unfolds, his leadership will be crucial in restoring order and addressing the nation’s pressing issues.