DHAKA: Bangladesh’s Chief of Army Staff, General Waqar-ul-Zaman, has announced the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid and the formation of a new interim government. This development comes after violent protests that forced Hasina to resign and flee the country.
General Waqar-ul-Zaman, who took charge of the interim government on August 5, 2024, has a distinguished military career. He has served as the Chief of Army Staff (CAS) of the Bangladesh Army since June 23, 2024. Prior to this role, he was the Chief of General Staff (CGS) and held several key positions including the 15th Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division.
Early life and education
Born on September 16, 1966, in Sherpur district, Waqar-ul-Zaman is a well-educated military leader. He graduated from the Defense Services Command and Staff College and the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the UK. He holds a Master’s degree in Defense Studies from Bangladesh and a Master of Arts in Defense Studies from King’s College, University of London.
General Waqar-ul-Zaman Professional career
Commissioned into the East Bengal Regiment in 1985, General Waqar-ul-Zaman has had a varied and extensive military career. He has attended the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy, the School of Infantry and Tactics, and the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operations Training (BIPSOT). His international experience includes service in the United Nations Missions in Liberia and Angola. He has also held significant roles within the Bangladesh Army, including commanding the 17th East Bengal Regiment and the 46th Independent Infantry Brigade.
In his previous positions, he has served as Deputy Assistant Military Secretary, Military Secretary at Army Headquarters, and GOC and Area Commander of Savar Area in the 9th Infantry Division. Promoted to Lieutenant General in 2020, he became the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division and has been involved in key roles such as Chairperson of the Bangladesh National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention and a member of the National Defense College’s governing body.
On December 29, 2023, he was appointed Chief of General Staff and, on June 23, 2024, as Chief of Army Staff.
Personal life of General Waqar-ul-Zaman
General Waqar-ul-Zaman is married to Begum Sirhanaz Kamalika Rehman, the eldest daughter of the late General Mustafizur Rehman, who served as the Chief of Army Staff from 1997 to 2000 and was the uncle of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The couple has two daughters.
In light of ongoing protests demanding an end to the controversial quota system in government jobs and calls for Hasina’s removal, General Waqar-ul-Zaman has urged military personnel to safeguard lives, property, and important state installations.
In his career spanning three and a half decades, General Waqarul Zaman also worked as a close associate of Hasina Wajid and served as Principal Staff Officer in the Armed Forces Division under the Prime Minister’s Office.
