Sheikh Hasina, born in 1947, is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding father and first president. Since 2008, Hasina has been a dominant figure in Bangladeshi politics, having been re-elected for her fourth consecutive term in January.
A tragedy struck in 1975 when Hasina’s parents and three brothers were assassinated in a coup. Hasina and her sister survived by being abroad. She spent years in exile in #India before returning in 1981 to lead her father's Awami League party.
During her political rise, #Hasina faced house arrests and repression. In 1987, military dictator Muhammad Ershad targeted her. Despite this, she allied with rival Khaleda Zia to oust Ershad in 1990, leading to mass protests and Ershad’s resignation.
Hasina first became Prime Minister in 1996, promoting economic liberalization, foreign investment, and improvements in healthcare and education. Despite these achievements, she lost office to #Zia in 2001 but returned to power in a 2008 landslide victory.
Under Hasina's leadership, #Bangladesh saw significant economic growth, driven by the garment industry and remittances. Poverty decreased, and by 2021, per capita income surpassed #India's. Hasina also gained praise for sheltering Rohingya refugees in 2017.
However, #Hasina’s tenure faced challenges: reliance on agriculture, garment exports, and remittances. Her crackdown on dissent and opposition, along with human rights abuses, drew criticism. In 2021, the U.S. sanctioned Bangladesh’s security forces for these abuses.
Hasina's government faced protests over a controversial quota system in government jobs, reserving 30% of positions for relatives of 1971 war veterans. These protests escalated, leading to over 300 deaths and calls for her resignation.
Facing mounting protests and violence, #Hasina fled Bangladesh in a military helicopter with her sister, reportedly to India’s #Agartala. The #Bangladesh Army chief confirmed her resignation and an interim government is being formed.
Hasina's legacy is complex: economic growth and social progress juxtaposed with political suppression and human rights concerns. Her departure marks a significant shift in #Bangladesh's political landscape, with an uncertain future ahead.
With opposition leader Khaleda Zia in poor health and confined to a hospital, #Bangladesh faces political turmoil and a challenging path forward. The nation awaits the next chapter in its political evolution.
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