Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ruled Bangladesh for 20 years. She left the country by military helicopter. Crowds broke curfew to storm her palace in Dhaka.
Over 300 people died during weeks of protests. Violence erupted on Sunday, killing almost 100. The army prepared to address the nation as tensions rose. By early afternoon, news of Hasina’s departure spread. The streets turned to celebration.
Army Chief General Zaman urged trust in the army. He promised to bring peace to the country. Zaman said they would ensure justice for every death. He called for patience and an end to violence.
Zaman also invited all major political parties. They accepted and agreed to work together. Images showed people breaking into the prime minister’s residence. Large crowds celebrated in the streets.
Al Jazeera’s Tanvir Chowdhury reported from Shahbag Square. He saw thousands of students and citizens celebrating. Chowdhury said this was a unique moment. People felt free as democracy seemed to return. Protesters wanted to show that no dictatorship would be tolerated. They hoped the next leader would heed their message.
Army Chief Bangladesh Zaman Confronts Crisis Following Hasina’s Exit
General Wakeruz Zaman recently became the army chief of Bangladesh. Just over a month later, he faced a major crisis. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country on Monday.
Protests and violence have spread across Bangladesh. These started last month when students wanted to end a quota system for government jobs. The protests grew into a demand for Hasina’s removal. She had been in power for 15 years and recently won a fourth term in January.
The violence has resulted in nearly 250 deaths.
Zaman, 58, took over as army chief on June 23. He will hold this position for three years. Zaman was born in Dhaka in 1966. He is married to Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman. Her father, General Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman, was army chief from 1997 to 2000.
He has a master’s degree in Defence Studies from the National University of Bangladesh. He also has a Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King’s College, London.
Before becoming the army chief, Zaman was Chief of General Staff for six months. He handled military operations, intelligence, and Bangladesh’s role in UN peacekeeping. He also managed the budget.
In his 35-year career, Zaman worked closely with Hasina. He served as the principal staff officer at the Armed Forces Division under the Prime Minister’s Office.
Zaman helped modernize the army. As protests continued this month, he urged army personnel to protect lives, property, and important state buildings.
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