Early Life and Birth
Sheikh Hasina was born on September 28, 1947, in Tungipara, Gopalganj District, which was part of British India at the time and later became East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. As the eldest daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, she was raised in a politically charged environment. Her early life was shaped by her father’s vision for an independent nation and his leadership in the struggle for Bangladesh’s liberation.
Education
Sheikh Hasina’s educational journey began in Dhaka, where she attended the prestigious University of Dhaka. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Arts from the university, where she developed a keen interest in the political and social issues of the time. Her academic pursuits were interrupted by the political turbulence surrounding her family and the emerging political landscape of Bangladesh.
Career and Political Awakening
The assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 1975, along with the other family members (except for her younger sister), had a profound impact on Hasina’s life. After spending time in exile in India, she returned to Bangladesh in 1981, determined to continue her father’s legacy. She took over the leadership of the Awami League, the party founded by her father, and began working to rebuild it.
Political Career
Early Political Challenges:
In 1981, Sheikh Hasina was elected as the President of the Awami League, a moment that marked the beginning of her political career. Her early years in leadership were fraught with challenges as she worked to strengthen the party and handled Bangladesh’s turbulent political landscape.
First Term as Prime Minister (1996-2001):
Sheikh Hasina’s first term as Prime Minister began in 1996, following a successful election campaign. Her tenure focused on addressing the immediate needs of the nation, including economic reform and development. Her government initiated several key projects aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Despite facing political opposition and accusations of corruption, her efforts led to notable improvements in various sectors.
Return to Power (2009-Present):
In 2008, Sheikh Hasina led the Awami League to a landslide victory, marking her return to the Prime Minister’s office in January 2009. Her second tenure was characterized by ambitious projects and reforms aimed at modernizing Bangladesh. She focused on infrastructure development, including major projects like the Padma Bridge and the expansion of the country’s power grid. Under her leadership, Bangladesh experienced significant economic growth and improvements in social indicators.
Key Milestones:
Sheikh Hasina’s tenure as a transformative leader in Bangladesh is marked by significant political milestones. In response to the controversial voter-less election held by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on February 15, 1996, Hasina headed a mass movement that compelled the resignation of then-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on March 30, 1996.
Her commitment to addressing fundamentalism, militancy, and terrorism has been unwavering. Upon assuming office on January 6, 2009, Hasina’s administration established the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). This tribunal was tasked with prosecuting crimes against humanity committed during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War.
Controversies and Challenges:
Despite her achievements, Sheikh Hasina’s government has faced criticism and allegations of authoritarianism and human rights abuses. Accusations of corruption have marred her administration’s reputation. Nonetheless, she remained a dominant figure in Bangladeshi politics, with substantial support from her party and a significant influence on the nation’s evolution.
