DHAKA: Bangladesh’s Army Chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, has taken charge of the country following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after weeks of violent protests and unrest. The 57-year-old military leader addressed the nation on Monday, declaring his commitment to forming an interim government and addressing the nation’s pressing issues.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman confirmed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had resigned. The announcement came after a series of violent protests and political unrest that led to Hasina’s ouster.
In his address broadcasted on state television, the army chief vowed to tackle the violence and address the economic and social turmoil that has affected Bangladesh. He expressed a resolve to address “all the injustices”.
“I give you my word that all the injustices will be addressed,” the career infantry officer said, although it was not immediately clear if he would head the new government.
General Waker said he would speak to the president to form a government. He vowed that the new authorities would “prosecute all murders” following weeks of deadly protests.
The army was deployed on the streets to crush the protests last month but shifted on Sunday and in several instances allowed demonstrations to go on.
“All of us together will forge a beautiful future,” he said. “If we work together, we can achieve a favourable outcome”.
“The country has suffered a lot, the economy has been hit, many people have been killed — it is time to stop the violence,” Waker-Uz-Zaman stated. He emphasized the need for peace and stability, urging protesters to cease their actions and support the new military administration.
With a distinguished military career, including service as a UN peacekeeper in Angola and Liberia, Waker-Uz-Zaman has built a reputation for competence and dedication. His father-in-law had previously served as army chief during Hasina’s first term as prime minister from 1996 to 2001.
The recent unrest began as student protests against government hiring policies but escalated into broader demands for Hasina’s resignation. The violence claimed at least 300 lives and prompted the army’s intervention on the streets.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman has pledged to work with opposition parties and civil society to form a new government, but he has yet to engage with Hasina’s Awami League. He urged university students, who were at the forefront of the protests, to remain calm and assist in restoring order.
