Bangladesh's Army Chief General Zaman Leads Amidst Political Turmoil

General Waker-Us-Zaman, Bangladesh's new army chief, oversees a politically turbulent period marked by widespread protests. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigns amidst violence and student-led campaigns. Zaman announces an interim government while addressing ongoing unrest. His extensive military career includes significant modernization efforts and collaboration with the former Prime Minister.

In an unexpected turn of events, General Waker-Us-Zaman, who recently became Bangladesh's army chief, has stepped into a central role, announcing the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country on Monday.

In a televised address, Zaman revealed that after dialogues with "all political parties," it was agreed that an interim government would be established. The involvement of the army remains uncertain, but Zaman stated: "We will now go to the president of the country to discuss the formation of the interim government and manage the nation," he said.

Bangladesh faces continued unrest following protests led by student groups last month, initially demanding the elimination of a contentious quota system in government jobs. The situation worsened, leading to calls for Hasina's resignation after 15 years in power, culminating in her fourth consecutive term in January. The violence has claimed nearly 250 lives.

Zaman, 58, took on the role of army chief on June 23 for a standard three-year term. Born in Dhaka in 1966, he is married to Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman, daughter of former army chief General Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman. Zaman holds a Masters in Defence Studies from the National University of Bangladesh and a Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King's College, London, as detailed on the Bangladesh Army website.

Before becoming army chief, he served as Chief of General Staff for just over six months, focusing on military operations, intelligence, UN peacekeeping roles, and budgeting. His three-and-a-half-decade career includes notable modernization initiatives and close work with Hasina as principal staff officer at the Armed Forces Division under her office. This month, amid renewed protests, Zaman urged army personnel to safeguard the lives and properties of citizens and key state facilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)