General Waker-uz-Zaman: Will he be the architect of stability in Bangladesh's political turmoil?

General Waker-uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh, has emerged as a key figure in the country’s current political climate.

In response to escalating tensions marked by over a month of deadly protests and following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, General Waker-uz-Zaman is set to deliver a critical televised address, which was originally scheduled for 2:00 pm and has been rescheduled to 4:00 pm, Bangladesh time. The army urged the public to remain patient and adhere to the guidelines issued as the nation stands at a crossroads. This address is highly anticipated, as it follows the imposition of a curfew to maintain law and order and reflects the army’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and restoring peace amidst a volatile political landscape.

Who is General Waker-uz-Zaman?

In light of recent unrest, his leadership is more crucial than ever, as Bangladesh faces significant political turmoil and social upheaval. Born on 16 September 1966 in Sherpur District, General Waker-uz-Zaman is a four-star general known for his strategic acumen and unwavering dedication to national security. As the highest-ranking officer of the Bangladesh Army, he plays a key role in safeguarding the country’s stability and navigating complex internal challenges.

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General Zaman’s appointment as Chief of Army Staff on 23 June 2024 marked the culmination of an illustrious career characterised by operational excellence and strategic leadership. His journey began when he was commissioned into the Bangladesh Army on 20 December 1985. Graduating from the 13th BMA Long Course at the Bangladesh Military Academy, he laid the foundation for a career defined by both national and international accomplishments. Over the years, he has held numerous significant positions, each contributing to his reputation as a key figure in the military landscape of Bangladesh.

Before his current role, General Zaman served as the Chief of General Staff (CGS) of the Bangladesh Army from 29 December 2023, where he supervised operational and strategic planning to ensure the Army’s readiness. In November 2020, he was promoted to Lieutenant General and became the 15th Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division. In this role, he was instrumental in coordinating military strategies and operations, emphasising his expertise in military administration and strategic leadership.

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Beyond national duties, General Zaman’s international contributions are notable, particularly through his participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions, such as the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the United Nations Angola Verification Mission I (UNAVEM I). His dedication to global peace and stability underscores the Bangladesh Army’s broader commitment to international cooperation.

He has also made significant contributions to military education and training, serving as an instructor at renowned institutions such as the Non-Commissioned Officer’s Academy (NCOA), the School of Infantry and Tactics (SI&T), and the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT). These roles reflect his commitment to nurturing future military leaders and emphasise the importance of education within the military.

General Zaman’s administrative prowess was evident in his roles as Deputy Assistant Military Secretary, Assistant Military Secretary, and Deputy Military Secretary at the Army Headquarters. His leadership was further demonstrated in his command of the 46th Independent Infantry Brigade in Dhaka and his role as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 9th Infantry Division and Area Commander of the Savar Area, where he effectively led large-scale military operations.

Early life

His early life and education laid the groundwork for his future accomplishments, with academic credentials from the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Bangladesh and the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the United Kingdom. He also holds a master’s degree in defence studies from Bangladesh and a Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King’s College, University of London.

As Bangladesh faces its current challenges, General Zaman’s upcoming address will likely set the tone for the army’s approach to resolving the nation’s pressing issues and reinforce his role as an important leader in the military and political landscape of Bangladesh.