- India
- International
Thursday, Apr 04, 2024
Journalism of Courage
Sheikh Hasina
Bangladesh Awami League
DOB
28 Sep 1947
Age
76 years
birth palce
Dhaka
profession
Politician
Sheikh Hasina biography
Sheikh Hasina, the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh, is a titan of the nation's political landscape. Her long and tumultuous career, punctuated by both immense popularity and sharp criticism, makes her a figure as captivating as she is complex. To understand her is to understand the intricate tapestry of contemporary Bangladesh, a nation grappling with its past, embracing its present, and striving for a brighter future.
Born in 1947, Hasina's life has been intertwined with Bangladesh's birth pangs. Her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was the charismatic leader who steered the country to independence from Pakistan in 1971. Hasina witnessed firsthand the horrors of the liberation war, a crucible that shaped her political consciousness. After Mujibur's assassination in 1975, she went into exile, only to return in the late 1980s and plunge into the turbulent waters of Bangladeshi politics.
Hasina's political journey has been defined by an unwavering commitment to the legacy of her father and the Awami League, the party he founded. She rose through the ranks, becoming party president in 1981 and leading the opposition for several years. In 1996, she tasted victory for the first time, becoming Bangladesh's first female Prime Minister.
Her first term as Prime Minister was marked by economic progress and infrastructure development. She liberalized the economy, attracted foreign investment, and oversaw a rise in living standards. Bangladesh witnessed a boom in garment exports, becoming a global hub for the industry. Hasina's focus on education and healthcare earned her plaudits, particularly for her flagship program providing free textbooks to schoolchildren.
However, Hasina's tenure was not without its dark chapters. Her relationship with the judiciary became strained, leading to accusations of politicization and erosion of judicial independence. Her crackdown on political dissent, particularly against the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami party, drew criticism from human rights groups. The 2006-2008 political crisis, characterized by violent street protests and a military-backed interim government, cast a long shadow over her legacy.
In 2009, Hasina returned to power with a landslide victory. Since then, she has consolidated her hold on power, winning two more terms through elections marred by allegations of rigging and intimidation. While critics point to a decline in democratic freedoms and shrinking space for dissent, Hasina's supporters highlight her continued focus on economic development and infrastructure projects.
As Hasina approaches the twilight of her political career, questions about her legacy loom large. Her supporters hail her as a visionary leader who transformed Bangladesh from a war-torn nation into a vibrant economy. Her detractors see her as an autocratic ruler who stifled dissent and undermined democratic institutions.
It is too early to write the final chapter of Sheikh Hasina's story. Bangladesh's trajectory under her leadership will continue to be debated and analyzed for years to come. One thing is certain: she is a force to be reckoned with, a complex and controversial figure who has shaped the destiny of her nation in ways both profound and enduring.
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Sheikh Hasina personal life
Father
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Mother
Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib
Spouse
M.A. Wazed Miah
Education
University of Dhaka (1973), Eden Mohila College
netWorth
₹40 crore
SHEIKH HASINA NEWS
Bangladesh foreign minister in Delhi, meets Jaishankar, Doval
February 08, 2024 3:01 am
They also discussed areas of future engagement in line with the national development goals of the two countries, including the visions of “Viksit Bharat 2047” and “Smart Bangladesh 2041”, MEA said.
View from Pakistan: Why is India not on the US's list of countries ‘of particular concern’?
January 14, 2024 5:02 pm
PTI’s setback in the upcoming Pakistan polls, Sheikh Hasina’s dubious record on democracy and justice for Bilkis Bano — a weekly wrap-up of the issues being discussed in India’s neighbourhood
Daily Briefing: PM inaugurates nation's longest sea bridge; Sheikh Hasina returns to power in Bangladesh; and more
January 13, 2024 8:31 am
In today's edition: Why INDIA group should oppose the BJP’s idea of Hinduism and India; Sriram Raghavan's "Merry Christmas" marks a strong start to the new year
Ram Madhav writes: Sheikh Hasina’s challenge – dealing with democratic deficit in Bangladesh
January 13, 2024 10:02 am
The BNP’s decision to boycott the elections cannot be supported by anybody. Nobody can argue, whether in India or in Bangladesh, that it is the ruling party’s duty to strengthen the Opposition
With Hasina, without Hasina
January 13, 2024 7:34 pm
As Sheikh Hasina returns to power for a record fourth time in a row in an election marred by an Opposition boycott and allegations of highhandedness, why New Delhi needs her and will look the other way
Sheikh Hasina sworn in as prime minister of Bangladesh for fifth term
January 11, 2024 9:54 pm
Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has been ruling the strategically located South Asian nation since 2009.
Express News Quiz: Bilkis Bano, Golden Globes & political impunity
January 09, 2024 11:53 pm
Dive deep into global headlines with our weekly news quiz.
Express View on Bangladesh elections: Sheikh Hasina, again
January 09, 2024 7:42 am
Her fourth term as PM promises stability in Bangladesh, augurs well for India. But Hasina's flawed record on democracy is a concern
PM Modi wishes Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina after her 4th straight win
January 09, 2024 2:34 am
Modi reiterated India’s commitment to further strengthen the “enduring and people-centric partnership” with its neighbour.
Economic progress of Bangladesh is my main aim: PM Sheikh Hasina
January 08, 2024 4:59 pm
The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had boycotted the polls.
SHEIKH HASINA PHOTOS
Modi, Biden hold bilateral talks on G20 sidelines to deepen India-US ties
September 08, 2023 10:58 pm
"I look forward to productive discussions with world leaders over the next two days," the Prime Minister has earlier posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
Narendra Modi in Bangladesh: Glimpses of PM's visit
March 27, 2021 5:25 pm
Narendra Modi in Bangladesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, his first foreign diplomatic visit since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in India last year.
Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, Mamata Banerjee meet on sidelines of Pink-ball Test in Kolkata
November 22, 2019 10:26 pm
Hasina and Banerjee share a very cordial relation and have mutual respect for each other, sources at the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Office said.
Pink-ball cricket carnival kicks off at Eden Gardens
November 22, 2019 4:15 pm
BCCI President Sourav Ganguly hosted dignitaries and former Indian cricketers to witness historic India vs Bangladesh pink-ball Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Narendra Modi begins Bangladesh Tour, launches bus services between two countries
June 07, 2015 8:23 pm
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today began his historic two-day visit to Bangladesh.
SHEIKH HASINA VIDEOS
Speech analysis: How Amit Shah is toning down his attack on illegal migrants
June 22, 2020 6:10 pm
As they say, timing is key. And an analysis of BJP President Amit Shah shows that before a key event across the border, he has dialed down his ferocious speeches against illegal migrants from Bangladesh.
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EntertainmentUpdated: April 4, 2024 19:47 IST
Diljit Dosanjh opens up about his difficult childhood, where he was sent away to Ludhiana by his parents for a better life. This led to a strained relationship due to lack of communication and financial struggles. However, he still holds immense love and respect for his parents.
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