General Waker-Uz-Zaman, who became Bangladesh’s army chief just over a month ago, made a pivotal announcement on Monday: the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina fled the country following a month of intense protests.
The unrest began when student groups demanded the elimination of a controversial quota system in government jobs, which escalated into a broader movement calling for Hasina’s removal after her 15-year rule. The violence has claimed nearly 250 lives.
Who is General Waker-Uz-Zaman?
General Waker-Uz-Zaman, 58, assumed his role as army chief on June 23, following a tenure as Chief of General Staff. Born in Dhaka in 1966, he is married to Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman, the daughter of former army chief General Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman.
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. His career spans over three decades, including roles such as principal staff officer at the Armed Forces Division under the Prime Minister’s Office.
In his current role, he has emphasized the need to secure lives, property, and state installations amid ongoing protests.
