Who is Waker-Uz-Zaman, Bangladesh army chief who announced Sheikh Hasina's ouster?

Bangladesh's army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman announced her resignation.

Updated on: Aug 5, 2024, 18:43:33 IST

By HT News Desk

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Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday after protestors threatened her safety as they stormed her official residence in Bangladesh's Dhaka.

Bangladesh army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman (ANI file photo)

Sheikh Hasina was whisked away to India from Dhaka in a military helicopter after she resigned over protests that claimed the lives of hundreds of students and security officials.

Also read: Bangladesh protesters storm Sheikh Hasina's residence, loot chicken, fish and…

Sheikh Hasina has reportedly landed in New Delhi and will fly to London. Bangladesh's army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman announced her resignation. He said an interim government will be formed in her absence.

Also read: Sheikh Hasina's house ransacked, father's statue vandalised | Watch shocking videos from Bangladesh

Who is Waker-Uz-Zaman?

Waker-Uz-Zaman is the chief of the embattled country's army. He is 58 years old.

Waker-Uz-Zaman became the army chief on June 23 for three years.

Also read: Bangladesh crisis: Sheikh Hasina lands at Ghaziabad airport, will fly next to…

Waker-Uz-Zaman was born in Dhanka in 1966. He is married to the daughter of General Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman, Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman. His father-in-law was the chief of the army between 1997 and 2000.

Waker-Uz-Zaman holds a master's degree in defence studies. He is an alumnus of the National University of Bangladesh.

Also read: How and why did Sheikh Hasina flee Bangladesh? 10 points

He also studied MA in Defence Studies at London's King's College.

Also read: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigns, flees country as protesters storm palace

He was the chief of general staff for over six months before becoming the army chief. He has a career of over three decades. He had also worked closely with Sheikh Hasina as he was the principal staff officer at the Armed Forces Division under the Prime Minister's Office.

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