General Waker-Uz-Zaman, just over a month after assuming the role of Bangladesh’s army chief, made a significant announcement on Monday: the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina fled the country today, following a month of intense protests and violence. The unrest began last month with student groups demanding the abolition of a controversial quota system for government jobs. However, the protests rapidly transformed into a broader campaign seeking the removal of Hasina, who has held power for 15 years, most recently securing a fourth consecutive term in January. The violence has resulted in the tragic deaths of nearly 250 people. This unprecedented situation has thrust the new army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, into the spotlight. Who is General Waker-Uz-Zaman? Waker-Uz-Zaman, 58 years old, took on the responsibilities of army chief on June 23rd for a three-year term, the standard tenure for the position. Born in Dhaka in 1966, he is married to Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman, the daughter of General Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman, who served as army chief from 1997 to 2000. Zaman holds a Master’s degree in Defence Studies from the National University of Bangladesh and a Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King’s College, London, according to the Bangladesh Army website. Prior to becoming army chief, he served as the Chief of General Staff for over six months, a role overseeing military operations and intelligence, Bangladesh’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions, and budgetary matters. Over his three-and-a-half-decade career, he has also worked closely with Hasina, serving as the principal staff officer at the Armed Forces Division under the Prime Minister’s Office. Zaman has also been associated with modernizing the army, according to the army website. As the country was once again engulfed by protests this month, Zaman urged army personnel to ensure the safety of people’s lives, property, and vital state installations.
