Who Is The Army Chief Of Bangladesh? Waker-uz-Zaman Likely To Take Over After Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Flees Country

Bangladesh Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman on Monday, August 5 confirmed that Sheikh Hasina has resigned as Prime Minister and that an interim government will be established to manage the country.

This announcement followed Hasina’s departure from Bangladesh amid widespread violent protests. Reports from local media indicate that protesters stormed the PM Palace and looted it.

“Interim Government To Run The Country”

Bangladesh’s army chief Waker-uz-Zaman shared, “PM Hasina has resigned, interim government to run the country. We will return peace to the country. We ask citizens to stop violence. We will investigate all killings that have happened over the past few weeks.”

He also called on protesters to cease vandalism and violence, stating, “Give me some time; we are working on finding a solution.”

Sheikh Hasina Flees Country

The 76-year-old Prime Minister resigned and abandoned Ganabhaban, her official residence, as protesters stormed the premises. Following her resignation, demonstrators celebrated with a victory march while Hasina fled the country to a “safer location.”

Hasina, who has been in power since 2009 and secured a fourth consecutive term in January, has been accused of consolidating power through state institutions and stifling dissent. The recent unrest underscores growing discontent and calls for change among the Bangladeshi population.

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Who Is The Army Chief Of Bangladesh?

Waker-uz-Zaman, a four-star general, has been serving as the Chief of Army Staff (CAS) of the Bangladesh Army since June 23, 2024. Before this role, he was the Chief of General Staff (CGS) and previously the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division.

Born on September 16, 1966, in Sherpur District, Zaman graduated from the Defence Services Command and Staff College and the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the UK. He holds a master’s degree in defense studies from Bangladesh and an MA in defense studies from King’s College, University of London.

He was appointed CGS on December 29, 2023, and became the Chief of Army Staff on June 11, 2024. Zaman also served as the acting chairman of the Central Coordination Committee of Cantonment Public Schools and Colleges.

He is married to Begum Sarahnaz Kamalika Rahman, the eldest daughter of the late General Mustafizur Rahman, who was Sheikh Hasina’s uncle.

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