General Waker-Uz-Zaman: The New Face of Bangladesh's Political Shift

General Waker-Uz-Zaman, recently appointed as Bangladesh's army chief, has taken center stage amid Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and the formation of an interim government. The nation has been in turmoil due to protests over a controversial quota system and Hasina’s prolonged tenure. Zaman's announcement marks a pivotal moment in Bangladeshi politics.

Just over a month after his appointment, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Bangladesh's newly-minted army chief, has rapidly risen to prominence, following the unexpected resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country on Monday.

In a televised address, Zaman revealed that after extensive discussions with all political parties, it was decided to establish an interim government. While the army's involvement remains uncertain, Zaman stated, "We will now approach the president to discuss the formation and management of the interim government."

The development follows a wave of protests and violence instigated by student groups opposed to a controversial quota system in government jobs, which later evolved into demands for Hasina's ouster. Hasina, who has ruled for 15 years and secured her fourth consecutive term in January, faces a country in chaos, with nearly 250 fatalities reported during the unrest.

Zaman, 58, took over as army chief on June 23, succeeding his predecessor for a three-year term. Born in Dhaka in 1966 and married to Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman, he holds advanced degrees in Defence Studies from both the National University of Bangladesh and King’s College, London.

Zaman's distinguished career spans over three decades, having previously served as Chief of General Staff, overseeing military operations, intelligence, and UN peacekeeping roles. He has also worked closely with Hasina as a principal staff officer in the Prime Minister's Office and has been instrumental in modernizing the army.

With the nation once again engulfed in protests, Zaman has called on military personnel to ensure the security of lives, properties, and critical state installations.