Dhaka, August 5: Hours after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and departure from Bangladesh, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Army Staff, assumed control and announced the formation of an interim government. "I am taking full responsibility," he declared in a televised address.

Hasina, 76, vacated the Prime Minister's residence amidst escalating protests and has reportedly reached India’s Agartala on flight “AJAX1431”, with subsequent plans to fly to London. General Waker-Uz-Zaman confirmed her resignation on state television, stating, "The country has suffered a lot. The economy has been hit, many people have been killed - it is time to stop the violence. I hope after my speech, the situation will improve." Bangladesh Violence: Angry Protesters Set Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal’s Residence on Fire in Dhaka (Watch Video).

Who is General Waker-Uz-Zaman?

General Waker-Uz-Zaman, a four-star general, took leadership of Bangladesh’s defense forces in June this year. His military lineage is notable; his father-in-law, Gen. Mustafizur Rahman, also served as Chief of Army Staff from 1997 to 2000 and was the uncle of Sheikh Hasina. Zaman's wife is Hasina's cousin, highlighting his close ties to the former Prime Minister. Sheikh Hasina Resigns as Bangladesh PM, Leaves Country Amid Massive Protests Against Government: Report (Watch Videos).

The 58-year-old joined the army in 1985 and is an alumnus of the Bangladesh Military Academy. He was commissioned into the Corps of Infantry on December 20, 1985. Throughout his distinguished career, he has commanded an Infantry Battalion, the only Independent Infantry Brigade of the Bangladesh Army, and an Infantry Division. He has also served as the principal staff officer at the Armed Forces Division under the Prime Minister's Office, working closely with Hasina.

Waker-Uz-Zaman is an alumnus of the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Mirpur and the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the UK. He holds a Master’s degree in Defence Studies from the National University of Bangladesh and a Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King’s College, University of London. Recognised for his contributions, he has been awarded the ‘Extraordinary Service Medal (OSP)’ and the ‘Army Medal of Glory (SGP).’

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2024 06:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).