Sheikh Hasina’s Journey: From Bangladesh’s Most Influential Leader to a Divisive Figure

Sheikh Hasina has been the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for over three decades. She is the longest-serving leader in the country’s history. Her political journey has been long and complex. From being a young leader carrying forward her father’s legacy to becoming one of the most powerful politicians in South Asia, Hasina’s story is filled with both admiration and criticism. This article will explore her journey, from beloved leader to a divisive figure.

Early Years and Political Beginnings

Hasina’s story begins with her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He was the founding father of Bangladesh. In 1975, he was tragically assassinated in a military coup. Along with her sister, Hasina was forced into exile. They lived abroad for many years, mostly in India and the United States. In 1981, after nearly six years in exile, Hasina returned to Bangladesh. Her return marked the beginning of her political journey.

Upon her return, Hasina took over the leadership of the Awami League, the political party founded by her father. The Awami League was the party of Bangladesh’s independence. Hasina’s leadership brought hope to many. She became a symbol of her father’s legacy and his fight for the nation’s independence.

First Term as Prime Minister

In 1996, Hasina became Prime Minister for the first time. Her term brought both hope and optimism to the country. She introduced reforms to reduce poverty. She worked to improve Bangladesh’s relations with neighboring India. Her government focused on education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment. Many viewed her early years in power as a success.

However, not everything went smoothly. Political violence began to rise. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the main opposition party, began to challenge Hasina’s leadership. Tensions grew, and the political situation became more unstable. Despite the reforms, Hasina’s government struggled to maintain control. This period showed that being in power was not as easy as it seemed.

Economic Growth and New Challenges

Hasina’s second term in office, which started in 2009, marked a significant shift. The country began to experience rapid economic growth. Bangladesh became one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia. The economy grew at a steady rate, and the country’s infrastructure began to improve.

While many saw this as a great achievement, not everyone benefited equally. The growth was largely concentrated in urban areas. Rural communities continued to suffer from poverty. Income inequality grew wider, leaving many feeling left behind. Despite the economic success, the government faced mounting criticism for not addressing these disparities.

Additionally, corruption continued to plague the government. Many accused the ruling party of mismanagement and favoritism. People felt that the wealth generated from economic growth did not reach the most vulnerable sections of society. The frustration among the lower and middle classes grew.

Corruption, Authoritarianism, and Suppression of Opposition

Hasina’s government faced increasing allegations of corruption. Critics claimed that she and her allies were using state power to enrich themselves. Key institutions like the judiciary and media were accused of being manipulated for political gain. The government’s response to criticism became more aggressive.

Political opponents, journalists, and activists were silenced. Many were arrested or forced into exile. The government became more authoritarian, limiting freedom of expression. Human rights organizations repeatedly criticized Hasina for suppressing dissent. The political environment became increasingly repressive.

Moreover, allegations of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and police brutality emerged. Security forces, operating under Hasina’s orders, were accused of targeting those labeled as “militants.” These actions led to widespread fear and distrust in the government.

Foreign Policy and Growing Discontent

Hasina’s foreign policy also faced criticism. Her government sought closer relations with India. In exchange for political support, Bangladesh granted India access to its ports, land, and energy resources. However, many felt that Bangladesh was giving away too much. They believed that the country’s interests were being sacrificed to maintain good relations with its neighbor.

At the same time, India failed to meet Bangladesh’s demands. For example, India did not share water from important rivers, such as the Teesta River. Tensions over these issues grew, but Hasina did not strongly press India to address them. This caused frustration among the Bangladeshi people. Many believed the government was being too lenient with India, ignoring national interests for political gain.

The Anti-Quota Movement and the Turning Point

In 2024, the Anti-Quota Movement became a turning point in Hasina’s leadership. The movement began as a protest against the job quota system, which reserved government jobs for specific groups. Many young people felt that the system was outdated and unfair. Youth unemployment was on the rise, and young people were frustrated with the lack of job opportunities.

The situation escalated when the Bangladesh High Court reinstated the quotas. This decision angered the protesters. Instead of addressing the issue, the government responded harshly. Hasina’s security forces cracked down on peaceful protesters. Several students were killed, sparking outrage across the country.

The deaths of the students became a rallying cry. What started as a protest over job quotas turned into a national movement. The protests expanded to include workers, teachers, and activists. The public began to call for Hasina’s resignation. The government’s violent response only fueled the anger. The movement quickly turned into a fight for justice, democracy, and an end to corruption.

The Resignation of Sheikh Hasina

As the protests grew, Hasina’s position became increasingly untenable. The public’s anger reached a boiling point. International criticism mounted, and many former supporters turned against her. The government’s heavy-handed tactics had alienated large sections of society.

In the face of growing protests and mounting pressure, Hasina resigned in 2024. This marked the end of her long reign. The Anti-Quota Movement succeeded in pushing for change. It not only led to the resignation of Hasina but also demonstrated the power of grassroots movements.

Her resignation was a historic moment for Bangladesh. It showed that even long-standing leaders could be brought down by popular protest. The movement proved that the people had the power to challenge authoritarian rule. It also symbolized the fight for a more just and democratic Bangladesh.

A New Chapter for Bangladesh

The resignation of Sheikh Hasina marked the end of an era. The Anti-Quota Movement will be remembered as a turning point in Bangladesh’s political history. It showed that ordinary people could stand up to an entrenched political system. The movement was a powerful statement against corruption, authoritarianism, and inequality.

Now, Bangladesh faces an uncertain future. The question remains: will the next government bring real change? Will it address the deep issues of inequality and corruption that have plagued the country for years? The people of Bangladesh are hopeful for a new chapter in their political history. But only time will tell what lies ahead.