Who is Sheikh Hasina Wazed

Relation of Haseena Wazed with Sheikh Mujib Ur Rehman

Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father and first president of Bangladesh, carries a deeply emotional family legacy. On August 15, 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his wife Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, and their three sons were tragically assassinated by a group of army officials.

History of Sheikh Hasina Wazed

Who is Sheikh Hasina Wazed Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has a remarkable and storied career in politics. Born on September 28, 1947, in Tungipara, she is the eldest daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founding father. She first became Prime Minister on June 23, 1996, after her party, the Awami League, won the parliamentary elections. She served again from January 6, 2009, following her party’s victory in the December 2008 elections, and began her third term on January 12, 2014.

Throughout her political career, Sheikh Hasina has faced numerous challenges, including the assassination of her family in 1975, during which only she and her sister survived. She led the opposition after her party’s defeat in the 2001 elections and continued to lead significant reforms, including the establishment of the International Crimes Tribunal to address war crimes from the 1971 Liberation War.

Under her leadership, Bangladesh has seen significant achievements, such as the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, improved infrastructure, and advances in technology and economic growth. Her government has enacted various social safety programs and achieved substantial reductions in poverty. Sheikh Hasina has been honored with numerous awards and honorary degrees for her contributions to politics, peace, and development. Her husband, Dr. M Wazed Mia, an esteemed nuclear scientist, passed away in 2009, and her children are actively involved in various fields, including ICT and psychology.

Sheikh Hasina Wazed: Bangladesh’s Longest-Serving Prime Minister

Sheikh Hasina Wazed (born September 28, 1947) is a prominent Bangladeshi politician who served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh from June 1996 to July 2001 and again from January 2009 to August 2024. As the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder and first president of Bangladesh, Hasina holds the record as the longest-serving prime minister in the nation’s history.

Her tenure began in June 1996 after the fall of the autocratic regime of Hussain Muhammad Ershad. Despite a loss to Khaleda Zia in the 1991 election, Hasina’s opposition to Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led to a political crisis marked by demonstrations and turmoil. This resulted in Zia’s resignation and Hasina’s ascension to the prime ministership. During her first term, while Bangladesh saw economic growth and a reduction in poverty, political instability persisted. Hasina’s first term ended in July 2001, when Zia succeeded her.

In the 2006–2008 political crisis, Hasina faced detention on extortion charges but was released and went on to win the 2008 election. Her 2014 re-election was controversial, marked by a BNP boycott and criticism from international observers. Despite these challenges, she was re-elected for a fourth term in 2018 and a fifth term in 2024, although both elections were marred by allegations of violence and fraud.

Under Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh has been criticized for democratic backsliding, including widespread reports of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings documented by Human Rights Watch. Media freedom has also been curtailed, with Reporters Without Borders highlighting restrictions on press freedom since 2014. Additionally, Hasina has faced criticism for her close relationship with India, which some view as compromising Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

Despite these controversies, Hasina has received international recognition. She was named one of Time’s 100 most influential people in 2018 and was listed by Forbes among the world’s 100 most powerful women in 2015, 2018, and 2022. Notably, she was the world’s longest-serving female head of government before her recent departure from office following a series of violent protests in 2024.

Sheikh Hasina Wazed Early life

Early Life and Family Background of Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Hasina Wazed was born on September 28, 1947, into the prominent Bengali Muslim Sheikh family of Tungipara in East Bengal. Her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was a renowned Bengali nationalist leader, and her mother was Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib. Hasina’s family also has Iraqi Arab heritage, with ancestral roots tracing back to Sheikh Abdul Awal Darwish of Baghdad, who arrived in Bengal during the Late Mughal Era.

During her early childhood, Hasina was raised in Tungipara under the care of her mother and grandmother. The family later moved to Dhaka, initially residing in the Segunbagicha neighborhood. In 1954, when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became a government minister, the family lived at 3 Minto Road. At that time, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was involved in both political activities and working at Alpha Insurance Company.

In the 1960s, the family relocated to a home that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had built on Road 32 in Dhanmondi. Hasina often reflected on her upbringing during periods when her father was imprisoned by the Pakistani government. She recalled how, after the United Front Ministry was elected in 1954, her mother informed the family of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s arrest, emphasizing his frequent imprisonment due to his dedication to the people.

Hasina and her siblings had limited time with their father due to his intense focus on political activities.

Education and Early Life of Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Hasina began her primary education in her hometown of Tungipara. After moving to Dhaka, she continued her schooling at Azimpur Girls’ School and Begum Badrunnesa Girls’ College. Later, she pursued higher education at Eden College, where she was elected Vice President of the Students Union from 1966 to 1967.

In 1967, Hasina married M. A. Wazed Miah, a Bengali nuclear scientist who earned his doctorate in physics from Durham University. Hasina then enrolled at Dhaka University, where she studied Bengali literature and graduated in 1973. During her time at Dhaka University, she resided in Rokeya Hall, the women’s dormitory established in 1938 and named after the feminist Begum Rokeya. Hasina was actively involved in student politics and served as the general secretary of the women’s unit in Rokeya Hall.

Family murder, exile and return of Sheikh Hasina

Aftermath of the 1975 Coup and Exile

Following the 15 August 1975 coup d’état in Bangladesh, which led to the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina’s entire family, except for her husband, children, and sister Sheikh Rehana, was killed. At the time of the coup, Hasina, her husband M. A. Wazed Miah, and Rehana were in Europe. They sought refuge in the residence of the Bangladeshi ambassador to West Germany before accepting political asylum offered by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The surviving family members spent six years in exile in New Delhi, India, as Hasina was barred from returning to Bangladesh by the military government led by Ziaur Rahman. On 16 February 1981, Hasina was elected President of the Awami League. She returned to Bangladesh on 17 May 1981, greeted by a warm reception from thousands of Awami League supporters.

Early political career of Sheikh Hasina

Movement against military rule (1981–1991)

Political Activism and Leadership in the 1980s

While in exile in India, Sheikh Hasina was elected President of the Awami League (AL) in 1981. The AL is often described as a “left-of-center” political party.

During the 1980s, Hasina faced periods of detention under martial law. She was placed under house arrest in February and November of 1984, and again in March 1985 for three months.

In 1986, Hasina and the AL participated in the Bangladeshi general election held under President Hussain Muhammad Ershad. As leader of the parliamentary opposition from 1986 to 1987, she spearheaded an eight-party alliance opposing Ershad’s regime. Her decision to participate in the election was controversial; opponents criticized her for joining an election held under martial law, while her supporters argued that she effectively used the platform to challenge Ershad’s rule.

In December 1987, Ershad dissolved parliament after Hasina and the Awami League resigned, demanding a fresh election under a neutral government. During November and December of 1987, mass uprisings erupted in Dhaka, resulting in several fatalities, including Noor Hossain, an Awami League activist and supporter of Hasina.

The Awami League, alongside the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Khaleda Zia, continued efforts to restore a democratically elected government. Their efforts culminated in a constitutional referendum that reestablished the parliamentary system. The subsequent general election in 1991 was won by the BNP.

Political Developments in the Early 1990s

Leader of the Opposition (1991–1996)

Years of autocratic rule under President Ershad led to widespread protests and strikes that crippled the economy. Government officials resigned, and members of the Bangladesh Rifles refused to fire on protesters, openly defying curfew orders. During this period of unrest, Sheikh Hasina collaborated with Khaleda Zia to organize opposition against Ershad.

In December 1990, a massive protest movement forced Ershad to resign, transferring power to his vice president, Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed, the Chief Justice of the Bangladesh Supreme Court. Ahmed’s caretaker government then oversaw a general election, which saw the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Khaleda Zia, secure a majority in parliament. The Awami League, led by Hasina, emerged as the largest opposition party. In the elections, Hasina contested three constituencies, winning one and losing two. Despite her defeat, she chose to remain as party president at the request of her party leaders.

A significant shift occurred in 1994 following a by-election in Magura-2, which was held after the death of the incumbent MP from Hasina’s party. The Awami League expected to regain the seat, but the BNP candidate won amid allegations of election rigging and manipulation. In response, Hasina led the Awami League in boycotting parliament from 1994 onward.

First premiership (1996–2001) of Sheikh Hasina

Political Landscape and Achievements During Sheikh Hasina’s First Term

In the early 1990s, the Awami League (AL), along with other opposition parties, called for the next general elections to be conducted under a neutral caretaker government, with a constitutional amendment to formalize this arrangement. The ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) rejected these demands.

In response, opposition parties launched a series of prolonged strikes, which severely impacted the economy. The BNP accused the opposition of economic sabotage, while the opposition argued that the BNP could resolve the crisis by agreeing to their demands. By late 1995, AL members and other opposition parties resigned en masse from parliament. The parliament completed its term, and the February 1996 general election was held, but was boycotted by all major parties except the ruling BNP, resulting in the BNP winning all parliamentary seats. Hasina denounced the election as a sham.

Following this, the new BNP-dominated parliament amended the constitution to establish a caretaker government system. The June 1996 general election was held under this new system, with retired Chief Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman heading the caretaker government. The Awami League won 146 seats, becoming the largest party but falling short of a majority. Khaleda Zia’s BNP, which secured 104 seats, contested the results, alleging vote rigging, though neutral observers deemed the election fair.

During her first term as Prime Minister from June 1996 to July 2001, Hasina implemented several significant reforms and projects:

• Water-Sharing Treaty: Signed a 30-year agreement with India on the Ganges River.
• Indemnity Act Repeal: Revoked the law that granted immunity to the killers of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
• Telecommunications Reform: Opened the sector to private investment, leading to reduced prices and increased access.
• Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord: Signed a peace agreement in 1997, ending the insurgency in the region and earning the UNESCO Peace Prize.
• Infrastructure and Development: Completed the Bangabandhu Bridge project in 1998 and introduced the New Industrial Policy (NIP) in 1999 to bolster the private sector and attract foreign investment.
• Economic Reforms: The economy saw an average GDP growth of 5.5% with a controlled inflation rate. The government’s poverty alleviation programs, including the Housing Fund and Ekti Bari Ekti Khamar scheme, contributed to increased food-grain production and reduced poverty.
• Social Welfare: Introduced allowances for the elderly and extended support to widows and distressed women. Founded a national foundation for people with disabilities and the Ashrayan-1 Project for the homeless.

Hasina’s government also pursued a progressive agenda for women’s rights, establishing the National Policy for Women’s Advancement, which aimed to ensure gender equality and provide opportunities for women.

Internationally, Hasina represented Bangladesh at numerous global forums, including the World Microcredit Summit, World Food Summit, and the Commonwealth Summit, and visited countries like the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Japan. Under her leadership, Bangladesh joined the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation.

In the 2001 general election, despite winning 40% of the popular vote, the Awami League secured only 62 seats due to the first-past-the-post system, while the BNP-led Four Party Alliance won 234 seats, achieving a two-thirds majority. Hasina, who contested in three constituencies, was defeated in Rangpur but won in two others. The AL contested the election results, alleging rigging with presidential and caretaker government support, but the international community generally accepted the outcome, allowing the Four Party Alliance to form the government.

Leader of the Opposition (2001–2008)

The Awami League MPs were inconsistent in their attendance in parliament during this period.[64] In late 2003, the Awami League launched its first major anti-government campaign. This movement culminated in a declaration by party general secretary Abdul Jalil, who asserted that the government would collapse by April 30, 2004.

Assassination attempt (2004) On Sheikh Hasina

During her second term as leader of the opposition, political unrest and violence surged. In May 2004, MP Ahsanullah Master was shot dead. This was followed by a grenade attack on August 21 at an Awami League event in Dhaka, which killed 24 party supporters, including Ivy Rahman, the party’s women’s secretary. In October 2018, a special court delivered verdicts in two cases related to the attack. The court determined that the attack was part of a coordinated plan involving abuse of state power, and found all accused, including BNP Senior Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman (in absentia) and former senior intelligence officials, guilty. Various penalties were prescribed for the convicted individuals. Additionally, that year, SAMS Kibria, Hasina’s close advisor and former finance minister, was assassinated in a grenade attack in Sylhet.

In June 2005, A. B. M. Mohiuddin Chowdhury, the incumbent AL Mayor, won a significant election in Chittagong, the second-largest city in Bangladesh. This election was viewed as a critical contest between the opposition and the ruling party.

Logi Boitha Movement

In October 2006, Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League launched the Logi Boitha Movement, during which thousands of party supporters occupied various streets in Dhaka wielding boat-hooks and oars for several days. The protests led to numerous casualties, acts of vandalism, looting, and increased prices of everyday goods.[b]

In May 2007, the police charged 19 Awami League leaders and activists with vandalizing, setting fire to, and looting the office of the Islamic Social Welfare Council. However, all of the accused were acquitted by the court in June 2011.

Detention during military intervention (2006–2008) of Sheikh Hasina

In the months leading up to the planned 22 January 2007 elections, Bangladesh was rife with political turmoil and controversy. The end of Khaleda Zia’s government in October 2006 sparked widespread protests and strikes, resulting in the deaths of 40 people in the following month, amid uncertainty over the leadership of the Caretaker Government. The caretaker administration struggled to engage all political parties, with the Awami League and its allies accusing the caretaker government of bias towards the BNP.[76]

The interim period was marked by violence and strikes. Presidential Advisor Mukhlesur Rahman Chowdhury attempted to mediate between Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, leading to the planned 22 January 2007 parliamentary elections. However, the nomination of Ershad was cancelled by the Election Commission due to his corruption conviction. As a result, the Grand Alliance withdrew its candidates at the last moment, demanding a published voters’ roll.[citation needed]

In response to the escalating crisis, President Iajuddin Ahmed declared a state of emergency later that month. Lt General Moeen Uddin Ahmed took control of the government, and political activities were suspended. Fakhruddin Ahmed was appointed chief advisor with the support of the Bangladesh Army.

On 14 March 2007, Sheikh Hasina, accompanied by Kazi Zafarullah and Tareq Ahmed Siddique, visited the United States Embassy. The next day, she flew to the U.S., joined by Tareq Ahmed Siddique and Abdus Sobhan Golap, to visit her children. She later moved to the United Kingdom.]

In April 2007, Hasina faced graft and extortion charges from the military-backed caretaker government, accused of coercing businessman Tajul Islam Farooq to pay bribes for a power plant project. The government barred her return, citing provocative statements and potential disorder. A warrant for her arrest was issued on 22 April 2007, but it was suspended the following day, and the entry ban was lifted. Hasina returned to Dhaka on 7 May 2007 to a warm reception, criticizing the government’s delay in her return.

On 16 July 2007, Hasina was arrested at her home and brought before a local court in Dhaka, facing extortion charges and denied bail. She was detained in a makeshift jail within the National Parliament premises. Her arrest was widely viewed as politically motivated. On 17 July 2007, the Anti-Corruption Commission issued notices to both Hasina and Khaleda Zia, demanding details of their assets within a week. The arrest of these leaders was seen as an attempt by the interim government to force them into political exile. The arrest drew condemnation from UK MPs.[100]

Additionally, on 11 April 2007, police filed murder charges against Hasina, alleging her involvement in the killing of four rival party supporters during October 2006 clashes. Hasina was out of the country at the time.

On 30 July 2007, the High Court suspended Hasina’s extortion trial and granted her bail. An additional case was filed against her on 2 September 2007 by the Anti-Corruption Commission, accusing her of accepting a bribe related to a power plant contract in 1997. A similar graft case was filed against Khaleda Zia on the same day.

On 13 January 2008, Hasina was indicted on extortion charges along with her sister Sheikh Rehana and cousin Sheikh Selim. The High Court halted the trial on 6 February, ruling that she could not be prosecuted under emergency laws for crimes committed before the state of emergency was declared.

Hasina was released on parole for medical reasons on 11 June 2008 and traveled to the U.S. the following day for treatment of hearing impairment, eye problems, and high blood pressure. Her physician threatened legal action over the government’s negligence regarding her care.[110] During this period, the caretaker government held mayoral elections in which the Awami League won 12 out of 13 contests. Hasina’s medical parole was extended for another month.

Second term (2009–2014) of Sheikh Hasina

On 6 November 2008, Sheikh Hasina returned to Bangladesh to prepare for the upcoming general election scheduled for 29 December. She entered the election under the “Grand Alliance,” which included her party, the Awami League (AL), and the Jatiya Party, led by Hussain Muhammad Ershad, as its main partner. On 11 December 2008, Hasina unveiled her party’s election manifesto at a press conference, pledging to transform Bangladesh into a “Digital Bangladesh” by 2021.

The AL’s manifesto, titled A Charter for Change, outlined its Vision 2021 and included promises to address price increases, combat corruption through a stronger Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and annual wealth disclosures by influential figures, and boost power generation to 7,000 megawatts by 2013. It also promised to invigorate agriculture, extend safety nets for the poor, promote good governance, tackle terrorism and extremism, prosecute 1971 war criminals, ensure judicial independence, reform the electoral system, enhance the Human Rights Commission, and de-politicize administration.

The Awami League and the Grand Alliance, comprising 14 parties, secured a decisive victory in the 2008 general election, winning 230 out of 299 seats and achieving a two-thirds majority. Khaleda Zia, leader of the BNP-led coalition, contested the results, accusing the Chief Election Commissioner of manipulating the election. Despite these claims, Hasina was sworn in as Prime Minister for a second term on 6 January 2009. Independent observers noted that the elections were conducted in a festive and peaceful environment.

Following her election, Hasina diverged from her earlier agreement with the Jatiya Party to appoint Ershad as president. She also removed Awami League central committee members who had supported reforms imposed by the previous caretaker government.

Hasina faced a significant challenge in 2009 when the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) erupted in revolt over a pay dispute, resulting in 56 deaths, including several Bangladesh Army officers. She was criticized for her lack of decisive action during the early stages of the revolt. A recording from a private meeting in 2009 revealed army officers’ frustration with Hasina’s failure to act swiftly, which they believed contributed to the higher death toll. Despite the criticism, a 2011 editorial in The Daily Star praised her for effectively handling the situation and preventing further bloodshed. In the same year, the parliament abolished the law requiring non-party caretaker governments for elections. In 2012, Hasina took a firm stance against allowing Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar’s Rakhine State riots into Bangladesh.

On 27 June 2013, a case was filed at the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Hasina and 24 other Bangladeshi officials for alleged human rights violations. Despite this, she has been internationally recognized for her contributions to achieving some of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. In 2012, a coup attempt by mid-ranking army officers was thwarted, reportedly with assistance from an Indian intelligence agency. The Bangladesh Army identified those involved as Islamist extremists.

That same year, Hasina had a fallout with Muhammad Yunus, Nobel laureate and founder of Grameen Bank, following a Norwegian documentary that criticized Yunus for transferring funds to an affiliate organization. Although Yunus returned the money after the documentary aired, government and media scrutiny increased, leading to a court verdict that removed him from the bank. Yunus criticized Hasina, who responded by stating that she could not understand why Yunus blamed her when the court’s decision was the reason for his removal.

During her term, Hasina’s government established the International Crimes Tribunal to investigate and prosecute those involved in the Bangladesh Genocide perpetrated by the Pakistan Army and their local collaborators during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

Third term (2014–2019) of Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Hasina secured a second consecutive term as Prime Minister with her Awami League and Grand Alliance allies, achieving a decisive victory in the 2014 general election. The election was boycotted by leading opposition parties due to allegations of unfair conditions and the absence of a non-partisan administration to oversee the process. Consequently, the Awami League-led Grand Alliance won 267 seats, with 153 of those uncontested, surpassing their previous success in 2008 when they secured 263 parliamentary seats. Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League ran Bangladesh since 2009 and won 288 seats in this election. Accusations of using stuffed ballot boxes were raised by one of the leading opposition parties, and the major opposition parties, including the BNP, boycotted the election.

The election was marked by controversy, including reports of violence and an alleged crackdown on the opposition in the lead-up to the voting. Of the 300 seats, 153 went uncontested, with the Awami League winning 127 by default. Despite these issues, Hasina’s Awami League secured a strong parliamentary majority with a total of 234 seats. The voter turnout was lower than in previous elections, at only 51%. After the results, Hasina stated that the boycott should not affect the legitimacy of the election, emphasizing that people had participated in the poll and other parties were involved. Despite the controversy, Hasina formed a government with Ershad’s Jatiya Party, which won 34 seats, as the official opposition. The BNP had advocated for elections to be conducted under a neutral caretaker government and had hoped to use protests to compel the government to agree to this.

During this period, Bangladesh saw a rise in attacks by Islamic extremists, including the July 2016 Dhaka attack, described by the BBC as the “deadliest Islamist attack in Bangladeshi history.” Experts noted that the repression of political opposition and the shrinking of democratic and civic space under Hasina’s government contributed to the flourishing of extremist groups and a violent backlash from Islamist factions.

In March 2017, Bangladesh commissioned its first two submarines. By September 2017, Hasina’s government granted refuge and aid to approximately one million Rohingya refugees and called on Myanmar to end the violence against the Rohingya community. The majority of Bangladeshi citizens supported the government’s decision to offer refuge to the Rohingya, and Hasina received commendation for her actions.

Hasina also supported calls to remove the Statue of Justice in front of the Supreme Court, which was seen as yielding to political pressure from those leveraging religion for political purposes.

Additionally, Hasina is a patron of the Asian University for Women, which is led by Chancellor Cherie Blair and includes notable figures such as Akie Abe, the First Lady of Japan, and Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO.

Fourth term (2019–2024) of Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Hasina secured her third consecutive term and fourth overall as Prime Minister when her Awami League won 288 out of 300 parliamentary seats. The leader of the main opposition alliance, Kamal Hossain, denounced the election as “farcical” and rejected the results. Prior to the election, Human Rights Watch and other organizations had accused the government of creating an intimidating environment for the opposition. The New York Times editorial board also criticized the election, describing it as farcical and questioning why Hasina felt the need to rig the vote if she was likely to win regardless.

The BNP, the main opposition party that had been out of power for 12 years and boycotted the 2014 election, performed poorly, securing only eight seats. This left the BNP and its Jatiya Oikya Front alliance as the weakest opposition since the return to democracy in Bangladesh after the Ershad era in 1991.

In May 2021, Sheikh Hasina delivered the inaugural address at the opening of the new Bangladesh Post Office headquarters, named Dak Bhaban. In her speech, she emphasized the need for further development of the postal service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including advancing its digital transformation and constructing cooling units in postal warehouses to facilitate the mailing of perishable goods.

In January 2022, the Jatiya Sangsad passed a law establishing the Universal Pension Scheme, which provides a monthly stipend to all Bangladeshi citizens, including expatriates, aged 18 to 60.

By the end of the fiscal year 2021–22, Bangladesh’s external debt had risen to $95.86 billion, marking a 238% increase since 2011. The banking sector also faced significant issues, with default loans escalating from less than ৳23,000 crore (US$2.0 billion) in 2009 to over ৳250,000 crore (US$21 billion) in 2019, according to the IMF.

In July 2022, the Finance Ministry sought fiscal assistance from the International Monetary Fund due to depleting foreign-exchange reserves, exacerbated by sanctions related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A staff-level agreement was reached in November 2022, and in January 2023, the IMF agreed to provide a support package totaling US$4.7 billion, which includes US$3.3 billion under the Extended Credit Facility and US$1.4 billion under the new Resilience and Sustainability Facility. The IMF stated that this support would help preserve macroeconomic stability, protect the vulnerable, and promote inclusive and sustainable growth.

In December 2022, anti-government protests erupted in response to rising costs, with demonstrators calling for the Prime Minister’s resignation.

On 28 December, Hasina inaugurated the first phase of Dhaka Metro Rail, the country’s first mass rapid transit system, running from Uttara to Agargaon.

At the 2023 G20 summit in New Delhi, Sheikh Hasina met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss expanding India-Bangladesh cooperation in areas such as connectivity and commercial linkages. She was accompanied by her daughter Saima Wazed, a candidate for a WHO election. The summit also allowed Hasina to engage with other global leaders and strengthen Bangladesh’s international relations.

Fifth term and resignation (2024) of Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Hasina secured her fourth consecutive term when her Awami League won 224 out of 300 parliamentary seats in the election, which was marked by a low voter turnout and a boycott by the main opposition parties.

In July 2024, protests erupted advocating for reforms to the quota system. During a press conference, Hasina commented on the issue, questioning whether the quota benefits should go to the grandchildren of freedom fighters or to the descendants of Razakars, a term used for collaborators with the Pakistani military during the 1971 Liberation War. Protesters perceived this as an accusation and incorporated the term into their slogans. The demonstrations turned violent, involving police, armed forces, and members of the Awami League’s affiliated organizations, resulting in over 200 deaths. The government responded by shutting down internet services, imposing a curfew, and conducting a large-scale crackdown on the protesters. Eventually, the Supreme Court agreed to reform the quota system. However, protesters continued to demand justice for those killed and an official apology from Hasina, along with the resignation of certain ministers. On 3 August 2024, the protest organizers launched a non-cooperation movement, calling for the resignation of Hasina and her entire cabinet. The movement succeeded, leading to Hasina’s resignation on 5 August 2024, as confirmed by General Waker-uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff. Later that day, Hasina fled to India. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, announced that she would not return to politics.

What happen to Hasina Wzed

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed has resigned and fled the country following weeks of intense student-led protests that erupted into widespread, deadly unrest. The 76-year-old leader reportedly escaped in a helicopter to India on Monday, as thousands of demonstrators stormed her official residence in Dhaka.

This abrupt departure marks the end of Hasina’s tenure as Bangladesh’s longest-serving prime minister, a position she has held since 2009 and for over 20 years in total. While she is credited with driving significant economic progress in recent years, Hasina’s political journey began as a pro-democracy advocate. In recent years, however, she has faced accusations of autocratic behavior, including the suppression of opposition through politically motivated arrests, disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other abuses.

In January, Hasina secured an unprecedented fourth term as prime minister in an election widely criticized as fraudulent and boycotted by the main opposition parties.

How did Sheikh Hasina come to power?

Born into a Muslim family in East Bengal in 1947, Sheikh Hasina was steeped in politics from an early age. Her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, known as the “Father of the Nation,” led Bangladesh to independence from Pakistan in 1971 and became its first president. During this period, Hasina was already making a name for herself as a student leader at Dhaka University.

Tragically, in 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family were assassinated in a military coup. Only Hasina and her younger sister survived, as they were abroad at the time. Following a period of exile in India, Hasina returned to Bangladesh in 1981 and assumed leadership of the Awami League, the party her father had founded.

Hasina played a key role in pro-democracy protests against General Hussain Muhammed Ershad’s military rule, quickly emerging as a national figure. She first assumed power in 1996, earning praise for securing a water-sharing agreement with India and a peace accord with tribal insurgents in the southeastern part of the country. However, her government faced criticism for alleged corruption and perceived favoritism towards India.

In 2001, Hasina was defeated by her former ally turned rival, Begum Khaleda Zia of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The rivalry between the two women, both heirs to political dynasties, led to significant unrest, including bombings, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings.

Despite numerous arrests, assassination attempts—including one in 2004 that affected her hearing—efforts to force her into exile, and multiple corruption allegations, Hasina made a political comeback in 2009 under a caretaker government. Her resilience and survival through these challenges solidified her reputation as a formidable political figure.

What has Sheikh Hasina Wazed achieved?

Under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh has undergone a dramatic transformation. Once one of the world’s poorest nations, it has achieved significant economic success since she took office in 2009. Today, Bangladesh is one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, even outpacing its larger neighbor, India. The country’s per capita income has tripled over the past decade, and the World Bank estimates that over 25 million people have been lifted out of poverty in the last 20 years.

Much of this progress is driven by the garment industry, which dominates Bangladesh’s exports and has expanded significantly in recent decades, reaching markets in Europe, North America, and Asia. Additionally, using a mix of national funds, loans, and development aid, Hasina’s government has embarked on major infrastructure projects, including the prominent $2.9 billion Padma Bridge spanning the Ganges River.

What is the controversy surrounding Sheikh Hasina

The recent protests marked the most significant challenge Sheikh Hasina has faced since she assumed office. The unrest followed a highly contentious election, where her party secured a fourth consecutive term in parliament. Initially sparked by demands to abolish quotas for civil service jobs, the protests quickly expanded into a broader anti-government movement. The situation escalated when Hasina’s administration used violent police crackdowns against demonstrators, resulting in over 200 deaths and many more injuries.

Despite growing calls for her resignation, Hasina remained defiant, labeling the protesters as “terrorists” and calling for strong action to suppress them. Her government responded by imprisoning hundreds and filing criminal charges against many more.

The unrest over quotas coincided with rising living costs exacerbated by the pandemic. Inflation surged, foreign exchange reserves plummeted, and foreign debt doubled since 2016. Critics attribute these economic issues to mismanagement by Hasina’s government, accusing it of corruption and suggesting that economic gains primarily benefited those close to the Awami League. They argue that this progress came at the expense of democracy and human rights.

Hasina has faced longstanding accusations of authoritarianism, with allegations of repressive measures against political opponents, critics, and the media—a stark contrast to her earlier advocacy for multi-party democracy. Since her return to power in 2009, rights groups estimate there have been at least 600 cases of enforced disappearances and numerous extrajudicial killings.

The security forces, particularly the Rapid Action Battalion—a notorious elite police unit—have been implicated in severe human rights abuses. In 2021, the US imposed sanctions on this unit for its brutal practices. Human rights activists and journalists have reported increased attacks, including arrests, surveillance, and harassment. Strict laws targeting journalists have been used to stifle press freedom, further raising concerns about the state of human rights in Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina and her government have also been accused of using judicial harassment against their critics, including economist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. Yunus was imprisoned earlier this year and faces over 100 charges, which his supporters argue are politically motivated.

Ahead of this year’s election, numerous senior leaders from the BNP were arrested, along with thousands of their supporters, following anti-government protests. Rights groups claim these actions were intended to weaken the opposition.

While Hasina’s government denies these allegations of abuse, it has imposed severe restrictions on foreign journalists seeking to investigate the claims.

10th Prime Minister of Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina

wIn Office

10th Prime Minister of Bangladesh

• In office: 6 January 2009 – 5 August 2024
• Preceded by: Fakhruddin Ahmed (acting)
• Succeeded by: Waker-uz-Zaman (acting)
• Presidents during tenure:
• Iajuddin Ahmed
• Zillur Rahman
• Mohammad Abdul Hamid
• Mohammed Shahabuddin

1st Prime Minister of Bangladesh

• In office: 23 June 1996 – 15 July 2001
• Preceded by: Muhammad Habibur Rahman (acting)
• Succeeded by: Latifur Rahman (acting)
• Presidents during tenure:
• Abdur Rahman Biswas
• Shahabuddin Ahmed

Leader of the House

• In office: 6 January 2009 – 5 August 2024
• Preceded by: Khaleda Zia
• Succeeded by: TBD

Previous Terms

• In office: 23 June 1996 – 15 July 2001
• Preceded by: Khaleda Zia
• Succeeded by: Khaleda Zia

President of Awami League

• In office: 16 February 1981 – Present
• Preceded by: Abdul Malek Ukil
• General Secretaries during tenure:
• Abdur Razzaq
• Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury
• Zillur Rahman
• Abdul Jalil
• Sayed Ashraful Islam
• Obaidul Quader

Member of Parliament

• In office: 12 June 1996 – Present
• Constituency: Gopalganj-3
• Preceded by: Mujibur Rahman Howlader

Previous Terms

• In office: 27 February 1991 – 15 February 1996
• Preceded by: Kazi Firoz Rashid
• Succeeded by: Mujibur Rahman Howlader

Leader of the Opposition

• In office: 10 October 2001 – 29 October 2006
• Prime Minister: Khaleda Zia
• Preceded by: Khaleda Zia
• Succeeded by: Khaleda Zia

Previous Terms

• In office: 20 March 1991 – 30 March 1996
• Prime Minister: Khaleda Zia
• Preceded by: Abdur Rab
• Succeeded by: Khaleda Zia
• In office: 7 May 1986 – 3 March 1988
• President: Hussain Muhammad Ershad
• Preceded by: Asaduzzaman Khan
• Succeeded by: Abdur Rab

Personal Details

• Born: Hasina Sheikh
• Date of Birth: 28 September 1947 (age 76)
• Place of Birth: Tungipara, East Bengal, Dominion of Pakistan
• Political Party: Bangladesh Awami League
• Other Political Affiliations: Grand Alliance (since 2008)
• Spouse: M. A. Wazed Miah (m. 1968; died 2009)
• Children:
• Sajeeb
• Saima
• Parents:
• Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (father)
• Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib (mother)
• Relatives: Sheikh–Wazed family
• Residence: Ganabhaban, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka
• Education:
• Eden Mohila College
• University of Dhaka

This Article is Part of a Series About Sheikh Hasina

• Early life and education
• Assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
• First Premiership (1996–2001)
• Opposition Leader (2001–2009)
• Second Premiership (2009–2024)
• Parties and Alliances
• Awami League
• Grand Alliance
• Elections
• 1986
• 1988
• 1991
• February 1996
• June 1996
• 2001
• 2008
• 2014
• 2018
• 2024
• Ministries
• First ministry
• Second ministry
• Third ministry
• Fourth ministry
• Fifth ministry
• National Projects

Controversies

The Padma Bridge graft scandal involved allegations against the Awami League government for soliciting bribes from the Canadian construction company SNC-Lavalin in exchange for awarding the contract. These allegations were later proven false, and a Canadian court dismissed the case. The World Bank withdrew its funding for the Padma Bridge project due to corruption concerns, canceling a credit of ৳10,241.346 crore (US$870 million). Minister of Communications Syed Abul Hossain, one of those implicated, resigned but was later acquitted of wrongdoing. On 11 July 2012, BNP General-Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called for the publication of a letter from the World Bank detailing the graft charges. On 17 January 2016, Hasina claimed that a managing director of a U.S. bank had influenced the World Bank to cancel the loan. Despite the controversy, the bridge was completed using government funds and was inaugurated in June 2022 at a cost of ৳30,193.39 crore (US$3.6 billion), significantly higher than the original estimate.

On 24 January 2017, Hasina accused Muhammad Yunus of lobbying with former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to convince the World Bank to withdraw its loan. On 10 February 2017, the Superior Court of Ontario dismissed the bribery-conspiracy case for lack of evidence.

In 2018, Hasina’s government passed the Digital Security Act, which allowed for imprisonment for criticism deemed inappropriate by the government, sparking criticism for undermining freedom of speech and press freedom.

In December 2022, the government ordered the closure of 191 websites accused of publishing “anti-state news.” Among them was Dainik Dinkal, owned by Tarique Rahman of the BNP, which was shut down following a dismissed appeal to the Bangladesh Press Council. The move was criticized as an attempt to suppress opposition, while the government cited violations of the Printing Presses and Publications Act for its closure.

In June 2024, Hasina visited New Delhi, where Bangladesh and India signed ten bilateral agreements, including one allowing India a rail corridor through Bangladeshi territory. This led to criticism in Bangladesh over concerns about national sovereignty, with accusations that Hasina was “selling the country to India.”

Personal Life

In 1968, Hasina married M. A. Wazed Miah (1942–2009), a physicist and chairman of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission. They have two children: Sajeeb Wazed and Saima Wazed. Saima’s father-in-law, Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, was a former minister of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment and LGRD. Hasina’s only living sibling, Sheikh Rehana, served as an adviser for the Tungipara upazila unit of the Awami League in 2017. Hasina’s niece, Tulip Siddiq, is a British Labour Party politician and Member of Parliament.

Throughout her political career, Hasina has survived 19 assassination attempts and suffers from hearing impairment due to injuries from the 2004 grenade attack. Given the violent history of her family, including the 1975 assassination of Sheikh Mujib and subsequent threats, she and her children have been under lifelong protection by the Special Security Force since 2015. The government also provides her and her family with free utilities for life.

Bangladesh PM Resigns and Flees Country, Confirms Army Chief