Bangladesh Army Chief Takes Responsibility after Prime Minister’s Ousting

Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced on Monday that he was “taking full responsibility” following the ouster and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The 76-year-old Hasina had reportedly resigned, and the army would “form an interim government.”

Experienced Soldier with a Distinguished Career

General Waker has served nearly four decades in the military, including stints as a UN peacekeeper and in Prime Minister Hasina’s office. His father-in-law was the army chief during Hasina’s first term in office (1996-2001).

Army’s Role in the Political Crisis

In January 2007, the military declared an emergency amid widespread political unrest and installed a caretaker government for two years. Following a vote in January without genuine opposition, Hasina won her fourth consecutive term as prime minister from 2009.

In the lead-up to Hasina’s ouster, the army deployed on the streets to suppress protests but later allowed demonstrations to proceed. General Waker stated that he had held discussions with opposition parties and civil society members.

General Waker’s Address to the Nation

In a televised broadcast to the nation, General Waker pledged that an interim government would “prosecute all murders” committed during the weeks of deadly protests. He also called for an end to the violence and appealed to university students to support the army.

“All of us together will forge a beautiful future. If we work together, we can achieve a favourable outcome,” said General Waker.

Background on General Waker-Uz-Zaman

General Waker-Uz-Zaman, reportedly aged 57 or 58, is a graduate of the Bangladesh Military Academy. He holds master’s degrees in defense studies from the National University of Bangladesh and King’s College London.

Over the course of his career, General Waker served as an instructor at the army’s college for infantry and tactics and at Bangladesh’s institute for peace support operations. He is married with two daughters.

Conclusion

With Prime Minister Hasina ousted and the army taking control, General Waker-Uz-Zaman has emerged as the central figure in Bangladesh’s political crisis. His pledge to address injustices and his call for unity suggest that the country may be entering a new era of military-led governance.