Sheikh Hasina: The Resilient Leader Shaping Bangladesh’s Future

Sheikh Hasina, the longest-serving prime minister of Bangladesh, is a name synonymous with resilience, development, and progressive leadership. As the daughter of Bangladesh’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she has carried forward his vision while navigating immense challenges. Sheikh Hasina’s tenure has been marked by economic growth, social progress, and a strong stance against extremism, making her a transformative figure in South Asian politics.

Early Life and Political Beginnings

Born on 28 September 1947, Sheikh Hasina was raised in a politically active family. Her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, led Bangladesh to independence in 1971, a moment that shaped her destiny. However, tragedy struck in 1975 when Sheikh Mujib and most of his family were assassinated in a military coup. Sheikh Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, survived as they were abroad at the time.

Exiled for several years, Sheikh Hasina returned to Bangladesh in 1981 to lead the Awami League, her father’s political party. Her early years in politics were marked by struggles against military rule, political suppression, and imprisonment. However, Sheikh Hasina remained undeterred, steadily building a mass movement for democracy.

Sheikh Hasina’s Rise to Power

Sheikh Hasina became Bangladesh’s prime minister for the first time in 1996, ending a long period of military and autocratic rule. Her first tenure saw significant reforms in education, healthcare, and economic development. However, her party lost the 2001 elections, and she spent years in opposition, facing political turmoil and even assassination attempts, including the infamous 2004 grenade attack.

Returning to power in 2009, Sheikh Hasina embarked on an ambitious journey to transform Bangladesh. Since then, she has been re-elected multiple times, reinforcing her dominance in Bangladeshi politics. Sheikh Hasina’s leadership has been instrumental in ensuring stability, economic progress, and infrastructural advancements in the country.

Economic Growth and Development Under Sheikh Hasina

One of Sheikh Hasina’s most significant achievements is Bangladesh’s rapid economic growth. Under her leadership, the country has transitioned from being one of the world’s poorest nations to a middle-income economy. Key factors driving this progress include:

Infrastructure Development: Sheikh Hasina prioritised large-scale projects like the Padma Bridge, metro rail, and power plants to boost connectivity and industrial growth.
Industrial Growth: The ready-made garment (RMG) sector has flourished, making Bangladesh the world’s second-largest garment exporter after China.
Digital Bangladesh Initiative: Sheikh Hasina has championed technological advancements, ensuring internet access, digital payments, and IT-based services reach rural communities.
Foreign Investments: Her government has focused on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), strengthening trade relations, and establishing special economic zones.

These efforts have contributed to a consistent GDP growth rate of over 6%, even reaching 8% before the COVID-19 pandemic. Sheikh Hasina’s leadership has been crucial in ensuring Bangladesh’s economic resilience in the face of global challenges.

Social Reforms and Women’s Empowerment

Sheikh Hasina has been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and social justice. Under her leadership, Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in gender equality, healthcare, and education.

Women in Leadership: Sheikh Hasina has ensured women’s participation in politics, business, and administration. Bangladesh ranks high in South Asia for female political representation.
Education Reforms: Her government introduced free education for girls up to Grade 12 and stipends to encourage school attendance.
Healthcare Improvements: Under Sheikh Hasina, community clinics have expanded healthcare access, reducing maternal and child mortality rates.
Poverty Reduction: Social safety net programmes, such as cash transfers and food security initiatives, have lifted millions out of poverty.

Her policies have transformed Bangladesh into a model for developing nations striving for social progress.

Sheikh Hasina’s Foreign Policy and Regional Relations

Sheikh Hasina has maintained a balanced foreign policy, strengthening ties with global powers while prioritising regional stability.

India and Bangladesh Relations: Sheikh Hasina has fostered strong diplomatic relations with India, resolving long-standing issues like the Land Boundary Agreement and water-sharing negotiations.
China and Bangladesh Ties: Her government has secured significant investments from China in infrastructure and energy projects.
Rohingya Crisis Management: Sheikh Hasina’s humanitarian approach to the Rohingya refugee crisis has been globally recognised, with Bangladesh hosting over a million displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar.
Global Recognition: Under Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has played an active role in the United Nations, climate change summits, and peacekeeping missions.

Her diplomatic efforts have strengthened Bangladesh’s global standing, reinforcing her role as a key South Asian leader.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite her numerous achievements, Sheikh Hasina’s leadership has not been without controversy. Critics accuse her government of suppressing opposition, restricting press freedom, and using security forces to silence dissent. Allegations of election rigging have also emerged, with opposition parties claiming a lack of transparency in the voting process.

However, Sheikh Hasina has defended her governance, citing national stability, economic growth, and social progress as her priorities. While some concerns remain, her supporters argue that her leadership has brought undeniable development to Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina’s Vision for the Future

Sheikh Hasina’s long-term vision for Bangladesh focuses on achieving developed nation status by 2041. Her government’s plans include:

Smart Bangladesh Initiative: A focus on artificial intelligence, automation, and innovation-driven industries.
Renewable Energy Development: Expanding solar and wind energy projects to combat climate change.
Education and Skill Development: Enhancing vocational training and research institutions to create a knowledge-based economy.
Continued Infrastructure Growth: Expanding transport networks, deep-sea ports, and digital connectivity.

With Sheikh Hasina at the helm, Bangladesh is on track to becoming a major economic and technological hub in South Asia.

Conclusion

Sheikh Hasina’s leadership has been a defining force in Bangladesh’s transformation. From economic progress to social reforms and foreign diplomacy, her contributions have positioned the country on a path of sustainable growth. While she faces criticism, her resilience and vision continue to shape Bangladesh’s future. Sheikh Hasina remains one of the most influential leaders in South Asia, steering Bangladesh towards new horizons.