There have been media reports and political discussions suggesting that Obaidul Quader later viewed the appointment of General Waker-Uz-Zaman as a mistake by dictator Sheikh Hasina and that selecting Waker-Uz-Zaman was her wrong choice.
After dictator Hasina’s removal from power in August 2024, some commentators and political figures argued that Waker-Uz-Zaman did not protect her government and instead facilitated the transition to an interim administration. This led some Awami League supporters to criticize his appointment in hindsight.
Quader actually made the statement in June 2026, criticising Obaidul Quader’s decision-making, including appointments and reliance on a small circle of advisers. Quader remarked in a recent interview or audio/video recording that major news organisations have not widely reported on.
The statement is being circulated on social media, but the exact wording may be paraphrased or taken out of context.
Context of appointing Waker-Uz-Zaman
On 11 June 2024, the government led by Sheikh Hasina appointed Waker-Uz-Zaman as the next Chief of Army Staff of the Bangladesh Army for a three-year term, effective from 23 June 2024. Before that appointment, he was serving as Chief of General Staff and had previously worked closely with Hasina as Principal Staff Officer in the Armed Forces Division.
Waker-Uz-Zaman had a long military career and held several senior command positions before becoming army chief.
He was appointed while Sheikh Hasina was still prime minister. Under Bangladesh’s system, the government appoints the army chief.
In August 2024, after mass protests led to Hasina’s resignation and departure from Bangladesh, Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that an interim government would be formed.
Reports and biographical sources note that Waker-Uz-Zaman’s wife is related to Sheikh Hasina through her family.
Waker-Uz-Zaman was a senior officer in line for promotion. Before becoming army chief, Waker-Uz-Zaman served as Chief of General Staff, one of the highest positions in the Bangladesh Army, and had commanded major military formations. His appointment fit the normal succession pattern.
Zaman had worked closely with Hasina’s government. He previously served as Principal Staff Officer in the Armed Forces Division under the Prime Minister’s Office, giving him direct experience working with Hasina and her administration.
Sheikh Hasina was under the impression that Zaman is a pro-Indian and Awami League supporter who could protect Hasina is there is an uprising in Bangladesh.
Personal and family connections may have increased trust with Zaman. Public reports note that Waker-Uz-Zaman has family ties to Hasina’s extended family through marriage.
An important irony is that although Hasina appointed him in June 2024, after the mass uprising in August 2024, Waker-Uz-Zaman announced her resignation and oversaw the transition to an interim government. This suggests that even if Hasina expected him to be loyal, he ultimately acted in accordance with what he and the military leadership considered necessary during the crisis.
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