Bangladesh Protests: Bangladesh Army General Waker-Uz-Zaman became an overnight focal point of South Asian geopolitics after his announcement of the resignation of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina in a televised video message on Monday. In his message, Zaman said that he was 'taking full responsibility' for the country and announced steps to form a new interim government.
In his address, which came hours after Sheikh Hasina fled the country in a bid to secure asylum in London via India, Zaman urged his fellow countrymen to denounce the path of violence and hoped for improvement in the situation.
"The country has suffered a lot. The economy has been hit, and many people have been killed - it is time to stop the violence. I hope after my speech, the situation will improve," the Army Chief said.
With his announcement, global media spotlights shifted to him as he further announced that he would meet the president and opposition parties to find an early solution to the Bangladesh political crisis.
Who Is Waker-Uz-Zaman, Bangladesh's New Ruler
Zaman, an army officer, was raised to the position of General of the Bangladesh military on June 27, 2024, for a three-year term up to 2027. The country witnessed significant political upheaval just within several weeks of Zaman's rise to the top post.
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Waker-Uz-Zaman was born in Dhaka in 1966. He married Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman, the daughter of General Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman, who was army chief from 1997 to 2000. After his early schooling in Dhaka, young Zaman went on to study a master's course in Defence Studies at the National University of Bangladesh. He is also an MA graduate in Defence Studies from King's College, London.
Waker-Uz-Zaman Army Career
Before taking the reins of the Bangladesh Army in his hands, the 58-year-old officer held multiple positions in the country's military, serving in various capacities and roles. Zaman served as the Chief of General Staff for a period of just over 6 months where he handled military operations as well as intelligence of the country. He also oversaw Bangladesh's role in UN peacekeeping operations and the defence budget of the lower-middle income economy.
Bangladesh Army Chief Had Previously Worked With Hasina
Over his 35-year career, he has closely worked with Hasina, notably serving as the principal staff officer at the Armed Forces Division under the Prime Minister's Office. According to the army's website, Zaman has also played a key role in modernising the army. Amid the recent wave of protests this month, Zaman urged army personnel to safeguard the lives and properties of citizens, as well as critical state infrastructure.