In a significant political upheaval, Bangladesh’s Army Chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, has assumed control following the resignation and departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid escalating protests. Addressing the nation on state television, General Zaman, adorned in full military regalia, announced that the 76-year-old Hasina had stepped down and that the military would establish an interim government.
“I give you my word that all the injustices will be addressed,” stated the career infantry officer, emphasizing the nation’s suffering due to economic downturns and loss of life. He called for an end to the violence that has gripped the country.
Appointed as Chief of Army Staff in June, General Zaman, who is in his late 50s, has a distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades. He has served as a UN peacekeeper in Angola and Liberia and held positions within Hasina’s office. Notably, his father-in-law was the army chief during Hasina’s first term as prime minister from 1996 to 2001.
The recent unrest, which began as student-led protests against government hiring practices in early July, escalated into widespread demands for Hasina’s resignation. The military initially attempted to suppress the demonstrations but recently shifted its stance, allowing protests to proceed in several instances. General Zaman has engaged in discussions with main opposition parties and civil society members, excluding Hasina’s Awami League, to chart a path forward.
He urged the nation to unite, stating, “All of us together will forge a beautiful future. If we work together, we can achieve a favourable outcome.” He also appealed to university students, who were at the forefront of the protests, to remain calm and support the army’s efforts to restore stability.
The protests have resulted in significant casualties, with at least 300 people reported dead. General Zaman has pledged to prosecute all murders related to the unrest and indicated that the need for emergency measures would be reassessed as the situation improves.
As the nation navigates this transition, the formation of the interim government and its leadership structure remain subjects of keen interest and speculation.
