Just over a month after assuming the role of Bangladesh's army chief, General Waker-Us-Zaman has found himself in the public eye, announcing the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who left the country on Monday. Zaman stated in a televised address that following consultations with 'all political parties', it was agreed to establish an interim government. The role of the army in this process remains unclear, but Zaman indicated: 'We will now approach the president of the country, where we will discuss the formation of the interim government, establish it, and manage the nation,' he explained. Bangladesh has been marred by protests and violence that started last month when student groups called for the abolition of a contentious quota system in government jobs. This evolved into a movement demanding Hasina's removal, who has been in power for 15 years and secured a fourth consecutive term in January. The violence has claimed nearly 250 lives. Zaman, 58, took over as army chief on June 23 for a three-year term, the standard duration for the position. Born in Dhaka in 1966, he is married to Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman, daughter of General Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman, who served as army chief from 1997 to 2000. Zaman 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, London, according to the Bangladesh Army website. Before becoming army chief, he held the position of Chief of General Staff for just over six months, where he managed military operations, intelligence, Bangladesh's involvement in UN peacekeeping operations, and the budget. Over a career spanning three-and-a-half decades, he has also closely collaborated with Hasina, acting as the principal staff officer at the Armed Forces Division under the Prime Minister's Office. Zaman has also been involved in the modernization of the army, as stated on the army website. Amidst recent protests, Zaman urged army personnel to safeguard the lives, properties, and vital state installations.