Who Is General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Army Chief To Take Over Bangladesh

Moments after Bangladesh’s embattled prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigned from her post and fled the country to India on Monday, country’s Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman took over the administration and announced the formation of an interim government.

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In a television address the General confirmed Hasina’s resignation and took the responsibility of the government.

“I am taking full responsibility. “The country has suffered a lot. The economy has been hit, many people have been killed – it is time to stop the violence. I hope after my speech, the situation will improve,” he said.

Dressed in military fatigues and cap, he said, “We will form an interim government.”

He said he would talk to the president to form the interim government and had held talks with the main opposition parties and civil society members – but not Hasina’s Awami League.

Read Here: Sheikh Hasina To Leave For London Via India Amid Massive Protests In Bangladesh: Sources

He has also called upon army personnel to ensure security of people’s lives, properties, and important state installations.

Hasina, 76, abandoned the Prime Minister’s official palace, ‘Ganobhaban’ amidst escalating protests after resigning on Monday. According to the reports, Hasina landed at India’s Hindon airbase station near the national capital and will be taken to safe place in Delhi for the time being. She is expected to leave for London.

Bangladesh has been engulfed by massive protests and violence that began last month over the controversial quota system that reserves 30 per cent of the government jobs for the families of veterans who fought the 1971 liberation war.

According to Reuters, nearly 250 people have been killed in the violence so far.

Who is General Waker-Uz-Zaman?

-Zaman, a career infantry officer who has spent nearly four decades in the military, currently serves as the Army chief of the violence-hit nation. He assumed the duties of army chief on June 23 for a period of three years – the normal tenure for the position.

-Born in Dhaka in 1966, Zaman holds a Masters 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.

-He is married to Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman, the daughter of General Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman, who was army chief from 1997 to 2000.

Read Here: ‘India’s Best Interest In…’: Ex-Ambassador To Bangladesh Warns Of Potential Danger To India’s Peace

-Prior to army chief, he served as the Chief of General Staff for little over six months – a role in which he oversaw military operations and intelligence, Bangladesh’s role in UN peacekeeping operations, and budget.

-Zaman has also worked closely with Hasina, serving as the principal staff officer at the Armed Forces Division under the Prime Minister’s Office.

-Zaman has also been associated with the modernisation of the army, the army website said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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