RKI Web Desk

General Wakeruz Zaman Steps into Limelight Amidst National Turmoil

General Wakeruz Zaman, who recently became Bangladesh’s army chief, announced the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday. This announcement comes just over a month after Zaman’s appointment and amid widespread protests and violence in the country.

Protests began last month over a controversial quota system in government jobs, escalating into demands for Hasina’s resignation. The violence has resulted in nearly 250 deaths. Hasina, who fled the country, had been in power for 15 years, securing a fourth consecutive term in January.

General Zaman, 58, assumed his role on June 23 for a standard three-year tenure. Born in Dhaka in 1966, he is married to Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman, daughter of former army chief General Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman. Zaman holds master’s degrees in Defence Studies from the National University of Bangladesh and King’s College, London.

Before becoming the army chief, Zaman served as the Chief of General Staff, overseeing military operations, intelligence, UN peacekeeping roles, and budgeting. His career of over three-and-a-half decades includes working closely with Hasina as the principal staff officer at the Armed Forces Division under the Prime Minister’s Office. He has also contributed to the modernization of the army.

In the face of recent unrest, Zaman urged army personnel to ensure the safety of citizens, properties, and key state installations.