Bangladesh student protests: Who is Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman, army chief in charge as PM Sheikh Hasina quits?

Bangladesh student protests: Sheikh Hasina resigned as Bangladesh prime minister and left the country on Monday (Aug 5) after weeks of student protests that culminated in a mob of youth storming her official residence. The Army Chief GeneralWaker-Uz-Zaman said in a press conference that an interim government will be formed soon, putting an end to two decades of rule by Hasina.

"Let's work towards a better future.I met the leaders of all political parties. We had a healthy discussion. We would form an interim government. PM has stepped down," Gen Waker said at the press conference. He assured that each of the hundreds of deaths in the three weeks of student protests and rioting would be investigated.

"Every killing will be probed. Please have patience, give us some time."

The Army has played a crucial role in Bangladesh's vengeance-filledpolitics, including through some bloody coups, dictatorships, and killings.

Will Waker stay on top for long, or give way to an interim government, followed by an orderly and peaceful election?

The army led by Gen Waker, who has had a military career of more than three and half decades, was blamed for the brutal crackdown on student protests that led to at least 100 deaths in the last few days. The students were protesting against a move to give reservation for high-paying government jobs to relatives of those who took part in Bangladesh's war of independence from Pakistan.

Here is what you should know about the current Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman.

Who is Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman?

General Waker-Uz-Zaman has been put into spotlight soon after he became the military head, having taken charge as Chief of Army Staffonly on 23 June this year.

Born on 16 September 1966 in east Pakistan which later became Bangladesh,Waker studied at Bangladesh Military Academy. He first joined the Corps of Infantry on 20 December 1985, according to a profile ofhim on the Bangladesh Army website.

He went on to command the only Independent Infantry Brigade of the country, as well as an Infantry Division.

Before becoming military chief, Gen Waker served as the Chief of General Staff of Bangladesh Army, as well as Military Secretary and Principal Staff Officerto Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

As the Chief of General Staff of the army, he was responsible for military operations, military intelligence, UN peacekeeping affairs andbudget of the army, according to the official profile.

Watch:Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina resigns, flees country as protesters storm palace

As Principal Staff Officer, he also took the role of chairman of Bangladesh National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention.

Gen Waker was involved with the United Nations Peacekeeping missions, to which Bangladesh Armed Forces is a key contributor of personnel.

As part of UN Peacekeeping forces, Gen Waker did two tours of duty as an observer and staff of the Blue Helments in Angola and Liberia.

He is the recipient of ‘Extraordinary Service Medal’ and ‘Army Medal of Glory’ for contributions in the modernisation of the army.

General Waker holds a master's degree in Defence Studies from National University of Bangladesh and Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King’s College, University of London.

(with inputs from agencies)