Bangladesh Army Chief Waqar-uz-Zaman Steps In After PM Sheikh Hasina Resigns Amidst Nationwide Unrest
Dhaka, 5th August 2024: In a dramatic turn of events, Sheikh Hasina has resigned from her position as Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Monday. The announcement, made by Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman, comes amidst widespread protests against Hasina’s government, which have resulted in the deaths of over 100 people in the past two days.
In a televised address, General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced, “I am taking all the responsibility of the country. Stay away from anarchy and violence. We will soon form an interim government in Bangladesh.” This announcement coincides with reports of Hasina potentially leaving the country.
General Waqar-uz-Zaman, who recently took over as Army Chief, will assume command of the country under a potential army rule following the recent political upheaval. Appointed as Army Chief on June 23, 2024, for a three-year term, General Zaman, 58, was previously the Chief of General Staff and has been involved in key military operations and UN peacekeeping missions.
Born in Dhaka in 1966, General Zaman is married to Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman, the daughter of General Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman, who served as Army Chief from 1997 to 2000. He 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.
Following the violent clashes between police and student protesters that resulted in over 200 deaths on Sunday, the Border Security Force (BSF) has issued a high alert along the 4,096 km India-Bangladesh border. BSF’s acting Director General Daljit Singh Chaudhary, along with other senior commanders, is currently in Kolkata to review and bolster security measures in North 24 Parganas and the Sundarban region.
The situation remains fluid as Bangladesh navigates this period of uncertainty and transition.
