Sheikh Hasina: Daughter of the East
Author – Adv. Arpit Garg
Sheikh Hasina, in office since 2009 after an earlier term from 1996 to 2001, was the world’s longest-serving female head of government till her resignation from the position of Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She is credited with subduing resurgent Islamists and a once meddlesome military. Having won more elections than Margaret Thatcher or Indira Gandhi, Hasina is determined to extend her run at the ballot box in January. In a 2023 interview with The Times, she expressed confidence, stating, “I am confident that my people are with me.”
Early Life and the Independence Struggle
Sheikh Hasina was born on September 28, 1947, into a politically prominent family of Bangladesh’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Her father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was a pivotal figure in Bangladesh’s fight for independence from Pakistan. The period of the 1970s was marked by intense political upheaval and violence as Bangladesh sought to assert its sovereignty. Growing up in such an environment, Hasina was inevitably influenced by her father’s dedication to the cause of Bangladesh’s liberation, which culminated in the country’s independence on December 16, 1971.
Assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
In 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became the President of Bangladesh, but his tenure was cut short by a brutal military coup on August 15, 1975, during which he and most of his family were assassinated. This tragic event left a deep scar on the nation and marked a significant turning point in Hasina’s life. Her father’s assassination not only deprived Bangladesh of its founding leader but also set the stage for years of political instability.
Exile in Germany with India’s Support
After the assassination, Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana were in West Germany, away from the massacre that claimed their family. With the help of the Government of India, they found refuge and began their long years in exile. During this period, Hasina remained politically active and connected with her party, the Awami League, building a support network that would be crucial for her future return to Bangladesh like the quote “Tomorrow is Another Day”.
Return to Politics: Iron Fist in Velvet Glove
In 1981, Sheikh Hasina returned to Bangladesh and took over the leadership of the Awami League. Her return marked the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladeshi politics. Despite the traumatic loss of her family and years in exile, she was determined to continue her father’s legacy. Overcoming numerous challenges, she slowly rebuilt the Awami League, transforming it into a formidable political force.
Surviving Assassination Attempts
Sheikh Hasina’s political career has been marked by resilience in the face of numerous threats to her life. Over the years, she has survived 19 assassination attempts, a testament to the intense political volatility in Bangladesh. These attempts include the infamous grenade attack on an Awami League rally in Dhaka on August 21, 2004, which killed 24 people and injured over 300 others. Despite the constant danger, Hasina has remained undeterred in her mission to lead the country, demonstrating remarkable courage and determination. Her survival amidst these life-threatening situations has not only solidified her resolve but also galvanized her supporters.
Relationship with Khaleda Zia
Sheikh Hasina’s political career has been marked by a longstanding rivalry with Khaleda Zia, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Both women have served multiple terms as Prime Minister, and their relationship has been characterized by intense political competition and personal animosity. This rivalry has often led to political gridlock and has been a defining feature of Bangladeshi politics for decades.
India & Hasina : a 50-year-old bond
Throughout her political career, Sheikh Hasina has maintained strong ties with India, fostering cooperation with various Indian political parties. Her relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP government has been notably positive, focusing on economic collaboration and regional security. In 2015, the India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement was a significant milestone, resolving longstanding border disputes and further solidifying bilateral relations. Bangladesh has also supported India in ending the insurgency in the northeast, with Sheikh Hasina’s government strengthening oversight mechanisms in border areas to prevent the smuggling of illegal consignments to insurgents operating in the northeastern states of India. Additionally, Bangladesh has facilitated the transport of Indian goods through its territory, offering a more efficient route compared to the Chicken Neck Corridor. Sheikh Hasina has also worked closely with the Congress Party, led by the Gandhi family, and West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, ensuring that Bangladesh-India relations remain robust and mutually beneficial.
Electoral Victories Since 2009
Since 2009, Sheikh Hasina has led the Awami League to several electoral victories, securing her position as Prime Minister. Her leadership has been marked by significant policy decisions aimed at economic development, social welfare, and infrastructural improvements. Her ability to win consecutive elections demonstrates her enduring political appeal and the confidence the Bangladeshi people have in her vision for the country.
Reviving Bangladesh’s Economy
One of Sheikh Hasina’s most significant achievements has been the revival of Bangladesh’s economy. Under her leadership, the country has experienced substantial growth, particularly in the textile and garment sectors, which are now major contributors to the national economy. Her government’s focus on economic reforms and attracting foreign investment has transformed Bangladesh into one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia.
Balancing Relations with the West, India, and China
Sheikh Hasina has adeptly managed Bangladesh’s foreign relations, maintaining a delicate balance between Western powers, India, and China. Her government has secured strong economic ties with China while also ensuring a close strategic partnership with India. Simultaneously, she has kept good relations with Western countries, promoting Bangladesh’s interests on the global stage and securing international support for various developmental projects.
Stance on Pakistan
Regarding Pakistan, Sheikh Hasina has maintained a firm stance, often highlighting the historical grievances stemming from the 1971 Liberation War. Her government has sought justice for war crimes committed during that period, further straining relations with Pakistan. Despite this, she has also emphasized the need for regional stability and cooperation, advocating for peaceful coexistence.
Revival of BNP and Student Organizations
The resurgence of the BNP and various student organizations, allegedly with support from Pakistan’s ISI, has added to the political tensions in Bangladesh. These groups have become vocal in their opposition to Sheikh Hasina’s government, calling for her resignation.
Historical Echoes: Student Protests in 1971 and 2024
The history of Bangladesh is punctuated by the powerful role of student-led protests in shaping its political landscape. In 1971, thousands of Bangladeshi students majorly from Dhaka University played a pivotal role in the fight for independence from Pakistan, their fervent activism contributing significantly to the eventual establishment of a sovereign nation. This legacy of student activism resurfaced dramatically in 2024 when a new wave of student protests erupted, this time against the government of Sheikh Hasina. The intensity of the 2024 protests, coupled with allegations of government corruption and police brutality, led to the collapse of Hasina’s administration, mirroring the profound impact that student movements had on the political upheaval over five decades earlier.
In a moment that starkly symbolized the political upheaval in Bangladesh, live television broadcasts captured the heart-wrenching visuals of the statue of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman being torn down by protesters. As the father of the nation and the father of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangabandhu is venerated for his pivotal role in leading Bangladesh to independence. The demolition of his statue on live TV was not just an act of vandalism but a profound sign of disrespect towards the man who fought tirelessly for the nation’s freedom until his last breath. Illustrating a deep rift between the legacy of their forefather and the current political climate. The tearing down of Bangabandhu’s statue represented not only the demise of a symbol of national pride but also a lamentable disregard for the sacrifices made by those who laid down their lives for Bangladesh’s independence.Top of Form
Today, Sheikh Hasina landed in India, not as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, but as a key figure in regional politics & Asylum seeker. Reflecting on the crisis in the South Asia region. “In light of the turmoil we have witnessed—from the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan to the collapse of the Sri Lankan government and the house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar—it is a critical time for us.”
Following her exit from office, Salimullah Khan and Asif Nazrul are set to lead the Interim Bangladesh Government. Salimullah Khan is a prominent intellectual and political analyst known for his deep insights into the socio-political fabric of Bangladesh. His academic contributions and public discourses have significantly shaped contemporary political thought in the country. Asif Nazrul, a distinguished law professor and political commentator, brings a wealth of legal expertise and a strong commitment to democratic principles. His vocal advocacy for human rights and transparent governance has earned him respect both domestically and internationally. Together, Khan and Nazrul are expected to navigate the transitional period with a focus on stability, reform, and the preparation for future elections.
Conclusion
Sheikh Hasina’s political journey is a testament to her resilience and leadership. From the trauma of losing her family to becoming a prominent political leader, she has navigated numerous challenges to shape the future of Bangladesh. Her tenure has seen significant economic growth, diplomatic successes, and political stability, despite ongoing challenges. Sheikh Hasina is determined to rise again like a phoenix, and her resurgence will be beneficial for India as she said in her last election victory speech India is a ‘great friend’.
