Bangladesh Unrest: Who Is General Waker-Uz-Zaman? Army Chief In Spotlight After Hasina's Resignation

Bangladesh Army Chief: Following Sheikh Hasina's resignation, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has taken centre stage in the affairs of the country. Know about him.

Bangladeshi Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman | Army soldiers patrol on the street after the government imposed a new curfew, in Dhaka 05 August 2024.

Source : Bangladesh Army Website | PTI

Bangladesh Army Chief: Following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina from the post of Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has assured the nation that no state of emergency will be declared. In an address to the nation on Monday, General Waker-Uz-Zaman stated, "There is no need for an emergency if the situation is calm." The General outlined plans for an interim government, promising to address past injustices and prosecute all murders, Bangladesh-based Dhaka Tribune reported. Urging the public to remain orderly, he added, "Have faith in the army. We will accept all your demands."

He also assured that neither the army nor the police would resort to firing, and a decision would be made by the end of the night, though execution might take a couple of days.

This announcement followed a meeting between the army, various political leaders, and Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

Bangladesh Army Chief: Who Is General Waker-Uz-Zaman?

General Waker-Uz-Zaman officially assumed the role of Chief of the Bangladesh Army on 23 June 2024, with a tenure of three years as per the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). His predecessor, General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, took command on 24 June 2021. General Waker-Uz-Zaman began his duties as Chief of General Staff on 1 January.

Commissioned into the Infantry Corps on 20 December 1985, General Waker has had an illustrious career spanning over three and a half decades. He has held key command, staff, and instructional appointments, including commanding an infantry battalion, an independent infantry brigade, and an infantry division. His staff appointments have included roles at an infantry brigade, the School of Infantry and Tactics, and army headquarters, as per the Army's website. He has also been a distinguished instructor and military secretary at army headquarters.

He is married to Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman and has two daughters, Samiha Raisa Zaman and Shayeera Ibnat Zaman.

Before becoming the Chief of General Staff, he served as the principal staff officer for the Prime Minister in the Armed Forces Division under the Prime Minister's Office. An alumnus of the Defence Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur, and the Joint Services Command and Staff College, UK, General Waker holds a master's degree in defence studies from the National University of Bangladesh and an MA in defence studies from King’s College, University of London.

He has been actively involved in UN Peacekeeping Affairs and has served as a Gender Champion and Gender Advocate for Bangladesh in UN Peacekeeping. Additionally, he headed the Bangladesh National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention as chairman, according to the website.

General Waker has completed two tours of duty as an observer and staff in UNAVEM (Angola) and UNMIL (Liberia). As Chief of General Staff, he oversaw military operations, intelligence, UN peacekeeping affairs, budget, and other aspects of the army. He has commanded the National Victory Day Parade three times and has been awarded the Army Medal of Glory (SGP) and Extraordinary Service Medal (OSP) for his contributions to the army's modernisation, the website stated.