As Bangladesh continues to navigate a period of political unrest and social upheaval, one man has emerged as a pivotal figure in shaping the nation’s trajectory: General Waker-uz-Zaman, the country’s military chief. From his early days as a young infantry cadet to his current role as a balancing force between competing power centers, Gen. Zaman’s journey is a reflection of Bangladesh’s tumultuous history and uncertain future.
The political turbulence that engulfed Bangladesh in mid-2024 was far from unprecedented. Decades after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the devastation of Cyclone Bhola, the nation remained vulnerable to both natural and political disasters. The summer of 1985, when a massive cyclone killed over 11,000 people, marked the entry of Waker-uz-Zaman into the ranks of the Bangladesh Army. Nearly 40 years later, he found himself at the helm of a military navigating a complex web of political intrigue and civil unrest.
On August 5, 2024, as protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government reached a boiling point, Dhaka became the epicenter of a nationwide movement led by students under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (Boishommo Birodhi Chhatra Andolan). The government’s response had been brutal, with crackdowns leaving hundreds dead. However, the military, under Gen. Zaman’s leadership, chose to diverge from its traditional role as an enforcer of government policies. By the end of the day, Gen. Zaman had convened a meeting of political and civil society leaders to chart a path forward, effectively sidelining Ms. Hasina’s regime.
Following Sheikh Hasina’s departure, an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took charge. However, this administration struggled to rebuild trust in the police and security forces, whose reputation had been tarnished by their role in suppressing protests. This vacuum in law enforcement forced the military to assume magisterial powers, placing Gen. Zaman at the center of governance.
Since September 2024, the Army’s involvement in maintaining law and order has been both a necessity and a point of contention. Critics argue that the military’s expanded role risks undermining democratic institutions. Supporters, however, see Gen. Zaman as a stabilizing force in an otherwise chaotic political landscape.
Gen. Zaman’s leadership style has been marked by pragmatism. On January 2, 2025, his meeting with former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia fuelled speculation about his next moves. While the military chief has publicly supported the interim government, he has also criticized its inefficiencies, particularly in rebuilding the policing structure. His nuanced position has earned him both admiration and suspicion.
The General’s personal and familial connections add another layer of complexity to his role. Married to Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman, the daughter of a former Army chief and a distant relative of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Gen. Zaman’s ties to Bangladesh’s political elite have sparked debates about his loyalties. These connections, however, have not prevented him from taking decisive actions that diverge from his familial affiliations, as seen in his handling of Ms. Hasina’s exit.
The military’s influence extends beyond immediate governance. The interim government, under pressure from student leaders and civil society, has initiated constitutional reforms. Student protests on December 31, 2024, calling for the “burial” of the current Constitution, highlighted the urgency of these reforms. Gen. Zaman, along with other military leaders, has voiced concerns about the potential chaos such rhetoric could unleash. Their insistence on stability prompted the interim government to promise a “July Proclamation,” which is expected to outline a roadmap for the country’s future.
As Bangladesh awaits the July Proclamation, the clock is ticking for the interim government to demonstrate progress. International factors, including the incoming U.S. administration under Donald Trump, could further complicate matters. Known for his critical stance on Muhammad Yunus, Trump’s policies may reduce international support for the interim government, placing additional pressure on Gen. Zaman.
While Gen. Zaman has refrained from seizing direct power, his control over law and order makes him the most influential figure in Dhaka. His ability to navigate the competing demands of political parties, civil society, and international actors will determine whether Bangladesh emerges from this period of instability as a stronger democracy or succumbs to further turmoil.
As Bangladesh grapples with its challenges, Gen. Zaman’s role exemplifies the delicate balance between military intervention and democratic governance. His decisions in the coming months will not only shape his legacy but also determine the course of a nation striving for stability amidst chaos. Whether as a guardian of order or a shadow ruler behind the throne, Waker-uz-Zaman remains the central figure in Bangladesh’s unfolding political drama.
