Just one month after taking over as the Army Chief of Bangladesh, General Waqar-uz-Zaman has made headlines. On Monday, he announced the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Amid reports that Hasina has left the country, Zaman addressed the nation on television, saying, “I am taking full responsibility. Please cooperate.” He mentioned meeting political leaders and informing them that the military would handle law and order. Amid nationwide protests, the General stated that he had instructed both the army and the police not to open fire. He urged protesters to exercise restraint and cease the violence.
In the past two days, over 100 people have died in protests against Sheikh Hasina’s government. The country has witnessed violent demonstrations over a controversial reservation system that reserves 30 percent of jobs for families of those who fought in the 1971 Liberation War. All eyes are now on 58-year-old Waqar-uz-Zaman, who assumed the role of Army Chief on June 23 for a three-year term, which is the standard tenure for this position in Bangladesh. Born in 1966 in Dhaka, Zaman is married to Saranaz Kamalika Zaman, the daughter of General Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman, who served as Bangladesh’s Army Chief from 1997 to 2000. Waqar-uz-Zaman holds a Master’s degree in Defense Studies from the National University of Bangladesh and a Master of Arts in Defense Studies from King’s College, London.
Close Work with Sheikh Hasina
Before becoming the Army Chief, Waqar-uz-Zaman served as the Chief of General Staff for just over six months. During this period, he oversaw military operations and intelligence activities, as well as gaining insights into Bangladesh’s role in United Nations peacekeeping missions. Throughout his three-and-a-half-decade career, Zaman has worked closely with Sheikh Hasina. He was stationed in the Prime Minister’s Office as the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division. According to the army’s website, Zaman has also been involved in the modernization of the military. When protests erupted again this month, he appealed to army personnel to ensure the safety of lives, properties, and vital installations.