In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh’s newly appointed army chief, General Waker-Us-Zaman, announced the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country on Monday. This announcement comes just over a month after Zaman took up his position, thrusting him into the national spotlight.
In a televised address, General Zaman stated that discussions with “all political parties” led to the decision to form an interim government. While it remains unclear what role the military will play in this transitional phase, Zaman indicated plans to meet with the president to discuss the formation and management of the interim government.
Bangladesh has been gripped by protests and violence since last month. The unrest began with student groups demanding the abolition of a controversial quota system in government jobs, which soon escalated into a broader campaign for the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina, who has been in power for 15 years and recently secured a fourth consecutive term in January, faced mounting opposition amid these demonstrations.
Tragically, the violence has resulted in nearly 250 fatalities, highlighting the severe turmoil the nation is experiencing.
General Waker-Us-Zaman, aged 58, assumed the role of Bangladesh’s army chief on June 23, 2024, for a standard three-year tenure. Born in Dhaka in 1966, Zaman is married to Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman, the daughter of former army chief General Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman, who served from 1997 to 2000.
General 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 his current role, he served as the Chief of General Staff for over six months, where he oversaw military operations, intelligence, Bangladesh’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions, and budget management.
Throughout his three-and-a-half-decade career, General Zaman has worked closely with Prime Minister Hasina, notably serving as the principal staff officer at the Armed Forces Division under the Prime Minister’s Office. His contributions to the modernization of the army are well-documented on the army’s website.
As the nation faced renewed protests this month, General Zaman called on army personnel to ensure the security of people’s lives, properties, and crucial state installations. This directive underscores the army’s commitment to maintaining order during these turbulent times.
The announcement of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation marks a significant political shift in Bangladesh. The interim government’s formation will be critical in navigating the country through this period of unrest. General Zaman’s involvement in these discussions suggests a potentially influential role for the military in shaping the nation’s immediate future.
The army chief emphasized the need for collaboration and consensus among political parties to manage the transition effectively. This approach aims to restore stability and address the underlying issues fueling the protests.
The resignation of Sheikh Hasina and the proposed formation of an interim government signal a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The interim government’s composition and policies will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally.
General Zaman’s leadership during this period will be crucial in ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining order. His extensive experience and previous collaboration with Prime Minister Hasina position him as a key figure in navigating these challenges.
