Sheikh Hasina

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Sheikh Hasina WazedTemplate:Efn (born 28 September 1947) is a Bangladeshi politician and fugitive who served as the tenth prime minister of Bangladesh from 1996 to 2001 and from 2009 to 2024.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She was the longest-serving Bangladeshi prime minister since the country's independence and the longest-serving female head of government in the world.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Her second premiership was characterised by dictatorship, oligarchy and crimes against humanity.Template:Efn She resigned and fled to India following the July Revolution in 2024,<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> and was found guilty of crimes against humanity by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh and sentenced to death.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Hasina is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh's founding president, and is a member of the Tungipara Sheikh political family. She had little presence in politics before her father's assassination in August 1975. Afterwards, she took asylum in India, became involved with the Awami League, and was elected as its president — a position which she continues to hold. After returning to Bangladesh in 1981, she and the Awami League became involved with the pro-democracy movement against the military rule of Hussain Muhammad Ershad, culminating in the 1990 Bangladesh mass uprising and the restoration of parliamentary democracy in the 1991 general election.

Following a narrow loss to Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the 1991 election,<ref name="revolution" /><ref name="tale" /> Hasina, as leader of the opposition, accused Zia's BNP of electoral dishonesty and boycotted the Parliament. This was followed by violent demonstrations and political turmoil,<ref name="polls" /> causing Zia to resign in favour of a caretaker government. Hasina was elected prime minister in the June 1996 election, and she was succeeded by Zia in July 2001. During the 2006–2008 political crisis, Hasina was detained on extortion charges. After her release from jail, her party won the 2008 election, and she became prime minister for a second term.

Democratic backsliding and widespread human rights abuses occurred during her second premiership. Her re-elections in 2014, 2018 and 2024 were criticised by international observers as being fraudulent,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and the 2018 and 2024 elections were boycotted by the BNP. Numerous politicians and journalists were systematically and judicially punished for challenging her views.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Human Rights Watch documented enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings under her government.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Reporters Without Borders gave a negative assessment of Hasina's media policy for curbing the country's freedom of the press since 2014.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A 2024 government report estimated that more than US$16 billion was annually laundered from the country during Hasina's tenure from 2009 to 2024, adding up to more than $240 billion over 15 years.<ref name="financialexpress" />

In 2022, anti-government protests broke out demanding Hasina's resignation, followed in July 2024 by fresh student protests which demanded the reform of quotas in government jobs. The protests were met with a brutal crackdown by law-enforcement agencies and paramilitary forces, resulting in a massacre of students. By August the protests intensified into a mass uprising against the government, culminating in Hasina's resignation and fleeing to India.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights found evidence of her personal direction and coordination of the crackdown that it judged might amount to crimes against humanity.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In November 2025, she was convicted in absentia of crimes against humanity by the Bangladeshi International Crimes Tribunal and sentenced to death.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Hasina was among Time magazineTemplate:'s 100 most influential people in the world in 2018, and was listed as being one of the 100 most powerful women in the world by Forbes in 2015, 2018 and 2022.<ref name=":8">Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":8" />

Early life

Template:See also Hasina Sheikh was born on 28 September 1947 to the Bengali Muslim Sheikh family of Tungipara in East Bengal.<ref name=":birthday">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Her father was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and her mother was Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib.<ref name="britannica" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hasina grew up in Tungipara during her early childhood under the care of her mother and grandmother. When the family moved to Dhaka, they initially lived in the neighborhood of Segunbagicha.<ref name="tbsnews.net">Template:Cite news</ref>

When Hasina's father became a government minister in 1954, the family lived on 3 Minto Road. In the 1950s, her father also worked in the Alpha Insurance Company, aside from his political activities.<ref name="tbsnews.net"/> In the 1960s, the family moved into a home built by her father on Road 32 in Dhanmondi. In many interviews and speeches, Hasina talked about growing up while her father was held as a political prisoner by the Pakistani government.<ref name=":4" /> In one interview, she remarked that "For instance, after the United Front Ministry was elected in 1954, and we were living in No 3 Minto Road, one day, my mother told us that father had been arrested the night before. Then we used to visit him in jail and we always realised that he was put in jail so often because he loved the people."<ref name="thedailystar.net">Template:Cite news</ref> Hasina and her siblings had very little time to spend with their father because of his preoccupation with politics.<ref name="thedailystar.net"/>

Education and marriage

Hasina attended primary school in her village of Tungipara. When her family moved to Dhaka, she attended the Azimpur Girls' School and Begum Badrunnesa Girls' College.<ref name="pm">Template:Cite news</ref> She enrolled for a bachelor's degree at Eden College. In the educational certificates her name was Hasina Sheikh.<ref name="birthn"/> She was elected as the Vice President of the Students Union in Eden College between 1966 and 1967.<ref name="dhakatribune.com">Template:Cite news</ref> In 1967, she married M. A. Wazed Miah, who was a Bengali nuclear scientist with a doctorate in physics from Durham.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hasina studied Bengali literature at Dhaka University, from where she graduated in 1973.<ref name="dhakatribune.com"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hasina lived in Rokeya Hall, which was founded in 1938 as the women's dormitory of Dhaka University; and later named after feminist Begum Rokeya.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="dhakatribune.com"/> She was involved in the politics of the Bangladesh Chhatra League and was elected as the general secretary of the women's unit in Rokeya Hall.<ref name="dhakatribune.com"/>

Family murder, first exile and return

Except for her husband, children and sister Sheikh Rehana, Hasina's entire family was murdered during the 15 August 1975 Bangladeshi coup d'état which saw the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Hasina, Wazed and Rehana were visiting Europe at the time of the assassination. They took refuge in the house of the Bangladeshi ambassador to West Germany; before taking up an offer of political asylum from Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of India.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The surviving members of the family lived in exile in New Delhi, India for six years.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hasina was barred from entering Bangladesh by the military government of Ziaur Rahman.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After she was elected President of the Bangladesh Awami League on 16 February 1981, Hasina returned home on 17 May 1981 and received a welcome from thousands of Awami League supporters.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Early political career

Movement against military rule (1981–1991)

While living in exile in India, Hasina was elected President of the Awami League in 1981.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref> The party has been described as a "Centre-Left" party.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Under martial law, Hasina was in and out of detention throughout the 1980s. In 1984, she was put under house arrest in February and again in November. In March 1985, she was put under house arrest for another three months.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Hasina and the AL participated in the 1986 Bangladeshi general election held under President Hussain Muhammad Ershad. She served as the leader of the parliamentary opposition in 1986–1987.<ref name="britannica" /> She led an eight-party alliance as opposition against Ershad.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Hasina's decision to take part in the election had been criticised by her opponents, since the election was held under martial law, and the other main opposition group boycotted the poll. However, her supporters maintained that she used the platform effectively to challenge Ershad's rule. Ershad dissolved the parliament in December 1987 when Hasina and her Awami League resigned in an attempt to call for a fresh general election to be held under a neutral government.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During November and December in 1987, a mass uprising happened in Dhaka and several people were killed, including Noor Hossain, an Awami League activist and supporter of Hasina.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Her party, along with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) under Khaleda Zia, continued to work to restore democratically elected government, which they achieved after a constitutional referendum returning the country to a parliamentary form of government.<ref name=":5">Template:Cite news</ref>

The subsequent parliamentary general election in 1991 was won by the BNP.<ref name=":5" />

Leader of the Opposition (1991–1996)

After several years of autocratic rule, widespread protests and strikes had paralysed the economy. Government officers refused to follow orders and resigned. Members of the Bangladesh Rifles laid down their weapons instead of firing on protestors and curfew was openly violated. Hasina worked with Khaleda Zia in organising opposition to Ershad.<ref name="revolution">Template:Cite news</ref> A huge mass protest in December 1990 ousted Ershad from power when he resigned in favour of his vice president, Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed, the Chief Justice of the Bangladesh Supreme Court. The caretaker government, headed by Ahmed, administered a general election for the parliament. The BNP, led by Khaleda Zia, won a general majority, and Hasina's Awami League emerged as the largest opposition party.<ref name="tale">Template:Cite news</ref> Of the three constituencies Hasina contested, she lost in two and won in one. Accepting defeat, she offered her resignation as the party president but stayed on at the request of party leaders.Template:Citation needed

Politics in Bangladesh took a decisive turn in 1994, after a by-election in Magura-2,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> held after the death of the member of parliament for that constituency, a member of Hasina's party. The Awami League had expected to win back the seat, but the BNP candidate won through rigging and manipulation, according to the neutral parties who witnessed the election.<ref name="polls">Template:Cite news</ref> Hasina led the Bangladesh Awami League in boycotting the parliament from 1994.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

First premiership (1996–2001)

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File:US President Clinton and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina make a joint statement, Prime Minister's office, Bangladesh, March 20, 2000.jpg
Hasina with U.S. President Bill Clinton at the Prime Minister's Office in Dhaka, 2000
File:Sheikh Hasina and Romano Prodi Brussels 2001.jpg
Hasina with European Commission President Romano Prodi in Brussels, 2001

The Awami League (AL), with other opposition parties, demanded that the next general elections be held under a neutral caretaker government, and that provision for caretaker governments to manage elections be incorporated in the constitution.<ref name=":5" /> The ruling BNP refused to act on these demands.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Opposition parties launched an unprecedented campaign, calling strikes for weeks on end. The Government accused them of destroying the economy while the opposition countered that the BNP could resolve the issue by acceding to their demands. In late 1995, the members of parliament of the AL and other parties resigned en masse. Parliament completed its five-year term and the February 1996 general election was held. The election was boycotted by all major parties except the ruling BNP, who won all the seats in the parliament as a result. Hasina described the election as a farce.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The new parliament, composed almost entirely of BNP members, amended the constitution to create provisions for a caretaker government (CTG). The June 1996 general election was held under a neutral caretaker government headed by retired Chief Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman. The AL won 146 seats, a plurality, but fell short of a simple majority. Khaleda Zia, leader of the BNP who won 104 seats, denounced the results and alleged vote rigging. This was in contrast with the neutral observers who said that the election was free and fair.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Hasina served her first term as Prime Minister of Bangladesh from June 1996 to July 2001. She signed the 30-year water-sharing treaty with India governing the Ganges. Her administration repealed the Indemnity Act, which granted immunity from prosecution to the killers of Sheikh Mujib. Her government opened-up the telecommunications industry to the private sector, which until then was limited to government-owned companies. In December 1997, Hasina's administration signed the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, ending the insurgency in the Chittagong Division for which Hasina won the UNESCO Peace Prize. Her government established the Ashrayan-1 Project while bilateral relations with neighbouring states improved. Hasina's government completed the Bangabandhu Bridge mega project in 1998. In 1999, the government started the New Industrial Policy (NIP) which aimed to strengthen the private sector and encourage growth.<ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref>

The Hasina government implemented some reforms to different sectors of the economy, which resulted in the country attaining an average of 5.5% GDP growth. The consumer price index remained at 5%, lower than other developing states who experienced 10% inflation. The Fifth Five-Year Plan (1997–2002) of the government placed an emphasis on poverty alleviation programmes which provided credit and training to unemployed youths and women. Food-grain production increased from 19 million tons to 26.5 million tons while the poverty rate reduced. A Housing Fund was established to provide fiscal assistance to those homeless as a result of river erosion. The government launched the Ekti Bari Ekti Khamar scheme which accentuated the incomes of the poorer segments of society through household farming.<ref name=":3"/>

The Hasina government adopted the New Industrial Policy in 1999 which aimed to bolster the private sector and attract foreign direct investment, thus expediating the globalisation process. The NIP aimed for 25% of the economy to be industry based with 20% of the country's workforce employed in industry. It encouraged the institution of small, cottage and labour-intensive industries with an onus on skill development for women for employment, development of indigenous technology and industries based on local raw materials. The NIP allowed for foreign investors to own 100% equity in Bangladeshi enterprises without prior approval from the government and all but four sectors of the economy were opened up to the private sector.<ref name=":3"/>

Attempts were made to create a social security system to protect the most vulnerable in society. The Hasina administration introduced an allowance scheme which resulted in 400,000 elderly people receiving monthly allowances. This scheme was later extended to widows, distressed and deserted women. A national foundation devoted to rehabilitation and training of people, with disabilities was founded with an initial grant of ৳100 million funded by the government. The Ashrayan-1 Project provided shelter and employment to the homeless.<ref name=":3"/>

Hasina was the first prime minister to engage in a "Prime Minister's Question-Answer Time" in the Jatiya Sangsad. The Jatiya Sangsad repealed the Indemnity Act, allowing for the killers of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to be prosecuted. The government introduced a four-tier system of local government including the Gram Parishad, Zila Parishad and Upazila Parishad by passing legislation.<ref name=":3"/>

The Hasina government liberalised the telecommunications industry, initially granting four licenses to private companies to provide cellular mobile telephone services. This resulted in the previous state monopoly being disbanded meaning prices began to reduce and access became more widespread. The government established the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission to regulate the newly liberalised telecommunications industry.<ref name=":3"/>

The government established the National Policy for Women's Advancement which sought to ensure equality between men and women. The policy aimed to guarantee security and employment, create an educated and skilled workforce, eliminate discrimination and repression against women, establish human rights and end poverty and ensure participation in socio-economic development. The government introduced three reserved seats for women in all Union Parishad election in December 1997. Hasina's cabinet approved the National Plan of Action for Children in 1999 to ensure rights and improved upbringing.<ref name=":3"/>

Hasina attended the World Micro Credit summit in Washington DC; the World Food Summit in Rome; the Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference in India; the OIC summit in Pakistan; the 9th SAARC summit in the Maldives; the first D-8 summit in Turkey; the 5th World Conference for the Aged in Germany; the Commonwealth summit in the UK and the OIC summit in Iran. Hasina also visited the United States, Saudi Arabia, Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia.<ref name=":3"/>

Bangladesh joined two multilateral bodies, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8). She became the first Bangladeshi prime minister since independence to complete an entire five-year term.<ref name="britannica" />

In the 2001 general election, despite winning 40% of the popular vote (slightly less than BNP's 41%), the AL won just 62 seats in parliament as a result of the first past-the-post electoral system, while the 'Four Party Alliance' led by BNP won 234 seats, giving them a two-thirds majority in parliament. Hasina herself ran in three constituencies,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and was defeated in a constituency in Rangpur, which included her husband's hometown, but won in two other seats. Hasina and the AL rejected the results, claiming that the election was rigged with the assistance of the president and the caretaker government. The international community was largely satisfied with the elections, and the 'Four Party Alliance' went on to form a government.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Leader of the Opposition (2001–2008)

The Awami League MPs were irregular in attending parliament during the following period.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In late 2003, the Awami League started its first major anti-government movement, culminating in the declaration by party general secretary Abdul Jolil that the government would fall before 30 April 2004.

Assassination attempt (2004)

Template:See also During her second term as leader of the opposition, political unrest and violence increased. MP Ahsanullah Master died after he was shot in May 2004. This was followed by a grenade attack on 21 August on an Awami League gathering in Dhaka, resulting in the death of 24 party supporters, including Ivy Rahman, party women's secretary. In October 2018, a special court gave verdicts in two cases filed over the incident; the court ruled that it was a well-orchestrated plan, executed through abuse of state power, and all the accused, including BNP Senior vice-chairman Tarique Rahman (in absentia) and former top intelligence officials, were found guilty. The court prescribed various punishments.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, on 1 December 2024, Tarique Rahman and few others was acquitted by the high court in this case.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> SAMS Kibria, Hasina's close advisor and former finance minister was assassinated that year (2004) in a grenade attack in Sylhet.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In June 2005, A. B. M. Mohiuddin Chowdhury, the incumbent AL Mayor, won an important election in Chittagong, the second-largest city in Bangladesh. This election was seen as a showdown between the opposition and the ruling party.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Logi Boitha Movement

Template:See also On 28 October 2006, Sheikh Hasina and Awami League convened a rally in Dhaka opposing BNP government moves to have Khondokar Mahmud Hasan appointed as chief advisor of the caretaker government responsible for holding upcoming elections. Thousands of Awami League workers occupied streets of Dhaka with boathooks and oars for several days, the rally being known as the Logi Boitha Movement ('Boat-hook and Oar Movement'). The rally resulted in a number of casualties, vandalisms, lootings as well as soaring prices of daily commodities.

In May 2007, the police filed chargesheet against 19 leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliates for vandalising, setting fire to and looting the office of the Islamic Social Welfare Council but all of them were acquitted in court in June 2011.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Detention during military intervention (2006–2008)

The months preceding the planned 22 January 2007 elections were filled with political unrest and controversy.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Following the end of Khaleda Zia's government in October 2006, there were protests and strikes, during which 40 people were killed in the following month, over uncertainty about who would head the Caretaker Government. The caretaker government had difficulty bringing all parties to the table. The AL and its allies protested and alleged that the caretaker government favoured the BNP.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The interim period was marred with violence and strikes.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Presidential Advisor Mukhlesur Rahman Chowdhury negotiated with Hasina and Khaleda Zia and brought all the parties to the planned 22 January 2007 parliamentary elections. Later the nomination of Ershad was cancelled by the returning officer of the Election Commission as Ershad had been convicted on a corruption case.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> As a result, the Grand Alliance withdrew its candidates en masse on the last day possible. They demanded that a voters' roll be published.Template:Citation needed

Later in the month, President Iajuddin Ahmed was compelled to declare a state of emergency. Consequently, Lt General Moeen Uddin Ahmed took control of the government.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Political activity was prohibited. Fakhruddin Ahmed became the chief advisor with the support of the Bangladesh Army.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Hasina went to the United States embassy on 14 March 2007 along with Kazi Zafarullah and Tarique Ahmed Siddique.<ref name=":7">Template:Cite news</ref> She would fly the next day to the United States accompanied by Tareq Ahmed Siddique and Abdus Sobhan Golap.<ref name=":7" /> She visited her son and daughter who live in the United States.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> She then moved to the United Kingdom.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In April 2007, Hasina was charged with graft and extortion by the military-backed caretaker government during the 2006–2008 political crisis. She was accused of having forced businessman Tajul Islam Farooq to pay bribes in 1998 before his company could build a power plant. Farooq said that he paid Hasina for approving his project.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 18 April 2007, the Government barred Hasina from returning, stating that she had made provocative statements and that her return could cause disorder. This was described as a temporary measure. The Caretaker Government had also been trying to get Khaleda Zia to leave the country.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Hasina vowed to return home, and on 22 April 2007, a warrant was issued for her arrest for murder.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Describing the case against her as "totally false and fake", Hasina said that she wanted to defend herself against the charges in court. On 23 April 2007, the arrest warrant was suspended,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and on 25 April 2007, the ban on Hasina's entry was dropped.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After spending 51 days in the United States and the United Kingdom, on 7 May 2007 Hasina returned to Dhaka, where she was greeted by a crowd of several thousand. She told reporters that the government should not have delayed her return.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 16 July 2007, Hasina was arrested by police at her home and taken before a local court in Dhaka.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> She was accused of extortion and denied bail and was held in a building converted into jail on the premises of the National Parliament. The AL said the arrest was politically motivated.<ref name=Security>Template:Cite news</ref> On 17 July 2007, the Anti-Corruption Commission sent notices to both Hasina and Khaleda Zia, instructing them to provide details of their assets within one week.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed was out of the country and said he would try to organise a worldwide protest. These arrests of the political leaders were widely seen as a move by the military-backed interim government to force Hasina and Zia out of the country and into political exile.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> United Kingdom MPs condemned the arrest.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 11 April 2007, the police filed murder charges against Hasina, alleging that she masterminded the killing in October 2006 of four supporters of a rival political party. The four alleged victims were beaten to death during clashes between the AL and rival party activists.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Hasina was visiting the United States at the time.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 30 July 2007, the High Court suspended Hasina's extortion trial and ordered her release on bail.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> On 2 September 2007, an additional case was filed against Hasina by the Anti-Corruption Commission regarding the awarding of a contract for the construction of a power plant in 1997, for which she allegedly took a bribe of 30 million takas and kept the contract from going to the lowest bidder. Six others were also accused of involvement.<ref name="Sued">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>"Detained ex-PM of Bangladesh faces new graft charges" Template:Webarchive, The Times of India, 3 September 2007.</ref> A graft case was filed against Zia on the same day.<ref name="Sued" />

On 13 January 2008, Hasina was indicted on extortion charges by a special court along with two of her relatives, her sister Sheikh Rehana and her cousin Sheikh Selim.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 6 February, the High Court stopped the trial, ruling that she could not be prosecuted under emergency laws for crimes alleged to have been committed prior to the imposition of the state of emergency.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 11 June 2008, Hasina was released on parole for medical reasons. The next day she flew to the United States to be treated for hearing impairment, eye problems and high blood pressure.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Syed Modasser Ali, her personal physician, threatened to sue the caretaker government over negligence regarding Hasina's treatment during her detention.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The caretaker government held mayoral elections in which AL won 12 out of 13 elections. The government extended her two-month medical parole by one more month.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Second premiership (2009–2024)

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Second term (2009–2014)

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File:Sheikh Hasina with David Cameron.jpg
Hasina with British Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street (January 2011)

On 6 November 2008, Hasina returned to Bangladesh to contest the 2008 general election scheduled for 29 December.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> She decided to participate in the parliamentary election under the banner of the "Grand Alliance" with the Jatiya Party, led by Hussain Muhammad Ershad, as its main partner. On 11 December 2008, Hasina formally announced her party's election manifesto during a news conference and vowed to build a "Digital Bangladesh" by 2021.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The AL manifesto was entitled A Charter for Change and included the party's commitment to Vision 2021. The manifesto included pledges to implement measures to reduce price hikes; combat corruption by strengthening the independent ACC and submission of annual wealth statements by influential people; introduction of a long-term policy towards power and energy increasing power generation to 7,000 megawatts by 2013; bringing vibrancy to the agriculture sector and extending the safety net to the poor; creating good governance and curtailing terrorism and religious extremism; prosecution of 1971 war criminals; ensuring an independent and impartial judiciary; reforming the electoral system; strengthening the Human Rights Commission and de-politicising the administration.<ref name=":3"/>

Her Awami League and the Grand Alliance (a total of 14 parties) won the 2008 general election with a two-thirds majority, having won 230 out of 299 seats.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Khaleda Zia, leader of the BNP-led coalition (4-Party Alliance), rejected the results of the election by accusing the Chief Election Commissioner of "stage-managing the parliamentary election".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hasina was sworn into office as prime minister for a second term on 6 January 2009. Independent observers declared that the elections were held in a festive and peaceful atmosphere.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

After being elected prime minister, Hasina reneged on her agreement with the Jatiya Party to make Ershad, its leader, the president.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Hasina removed Awami League central committee members who supported reforms forced by the previous caretaker government.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> She had to confront a major national crisis in the form of the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles revolt over a pay dispute, which resulted in 56 deaths, including Bangladesh Army officers.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Hasina was blamed by the army officers due to her refusal to intervene against the revolt.<ref name="Khan"/><ref name="TDS">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, In 2009, a recording emerged of Hasina's private meeting with army officers, who expressed their anger with how she had not reacted more decisively in the revolt's early stages, by ordering an armed raid of the BDR Rifles compound; they believed that her efforts to appease the revolt's leaders delayed needed action which led to more deaths.<ref name="Khan">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="TDS" /> In a 2011 The Daily Star editorial, she was commended for "her sagacious handling of the situation which resulted in the prevention of a further bloodbath".<ref name="TDS" /> In 2011, the parliament removed the law that required non-party caretaker government hold elections.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2012, she maintained a hard-line stance and refused to allow entry to Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar during the 2012 Rakhine State riots.<ref>Template:YouTube</ref>

File:Russia-Bangladeshi talks Moscow 2013-01-15 11.jpeg
Hasina with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in January 2013

On 27 June 2013, a case against Hasina and 24 other Bangladeshi Ministers and security personnel was lodged at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the alleged violation of human rights.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> She has been "credited internationally" for the achievement of some of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite news</ref> In 2012 a coup attempt against her by mid-ranking army officers was stopped, with the Bangladesh Army being tipped off by an Indian intelligence agency.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The Bangladesh Army described the army officers involved as being Islamist extremists.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2012, she had a falling out with Muhammad Yunus, Nobel laureate and founder of Grameen Bank, following a Norwegian documentary that was critical of Yunus's transferring of money from Grameen Bank to an affiliate organisation. Yunus transferred the money back after the documentary aired but it increased scrutiny of the bank by the government and media in Bangladesh. Yunus lost control of his bank following a court verdict. He criticised Hasina and other Bangladeshi politicians. She responded by saying she did not understand why Yunus blamed her when it was a court verdict that removed him from Grameen Bank.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

During this term, her government led and succeeded in forming the International Crimes Tribunal, to investigate and prosecute suspects involved in the Bangladesh Genocide, committed by the Pakistan Army and their local collaborators, Razakars, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Third term (2014–2019)

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File:The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Ms. Sheikh Hasina meeting the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on August 19, 2015.jpg
Hasina condoling Indian President Pranab Mukherjee after the death of First Lady Suvra Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi in 2015. Hasina is personally close to the Mukherjee family since their caretaking during her 1975–1981 exile in India.

Hasina secured a second-consecutive term in office with her ruling Awami League and its Grand Alliance allies, winning the 2014 general election by a landslide. The election was boycotted by leading opposition parties due to unfair conditions and a lack of non-partisan administration to conduct elections.<ref name="indept">Template:Cite newsTemplate:Cbignore</ref> As a result, the AL-led Grand Alliance won 267 seats out of which 153 were uncontested, surpassing its 2008 poll success—when it secured 263 parliamentary seats.<ref name=":6">Template:Cite news</ref> Sheikh Hasina's Awami League has run Bangladesh since 2009 and won 288 seats in this election.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> One of the leading opposition parties accused it of using stuffed ballot boxes.<ref name=":6" /> The election was boycotted by major opposition parties including the BNP.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The election was controversial, with reports of violence and an alleged crackdown on the opposition in the run-up to the election. In the election 153 seats (of 300) went uncontested, of which the Awami League won 127 by default.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hasina's Awami League won a safe parliamentary majority with a total of 234 seats.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> As a result of the boycott and violence, voter turnout was lower than the previous few elections at only 51%. The day after the result, Hasina said that the boycott should "not mean there will be a question of legitimacy.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> People participated in the poll and other parties participated." Despite the controversy Hasina went on to form a government with Ershad's Jatiya Party (who won 34 seats) as the official opposition.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

File:G7 members and Guest Invitees group photo.jpg
Hasina with G7 Leaders and guests, Shima Kanko Hotel in Japan, 2016

The BNP wanted the elections to be held under a neutral caretaker government and had hoped to use protests to force the government to do so.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The period also saw increasing attacks by Islamic extremists in the country, including the July 2016 Dhaka attack which has been described as "deadliest Islamist attack in Bangladeshi history" by BBC.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> According to experts, the Hasina-led government's repression of political opposition as well as shrinking democratic and civic space has created "the space for extremist groups to flourish" and "has generated a violent backlash from Islamist groups."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In March 2017, Bangladesh's first two submarines were commissioned.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In September 2017, Hasina's government granted refuge and aid to around a million Rohingya refugees and urged Myanmar to end violence against the Rohingya community.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The majority of the Bangladeshi people supported the government's decision to provide refugee status to the Rohingya. Hasina received credit and praise for her actions.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Hasina supported calls to remove the Statue of Justice in front of the Supreme Court. This was seen as the government bowing down to the pressure of those who use religion for political ends.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Hasina is a patron of the Asian University for Women, led by Chancellor Cherie Blair, and including the First Lady of Japan, Akie Abe, as well as Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Fourth term (2019–2024)

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Hasina won her third consecutive term, her fourth overall, when her Awami League won 288 of the 300 parliamentary seats. The leader of the main opposition alliance, Kamal Hossain, declared the vote "farcical" and rejected the results. Before the election, Human Rights Watch and other rights organisations had accused the government of creating an intimidating environment for the Opposition.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The New York Times editorial board described the election as farcical and questioned her reasons for vote-rigging, saying that she likely would have won freely.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The BNP fared extremely poorly. Winning only eight seats, the party and its Jatiya Oikya Front alliance have been marginalised to the weakest opposition ever since Bangladesh's post-Ershad democratic restoration in 1991.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

File:18th Summit of Non-Aligned Movement gets underway in Baku 088.jpg
Hasina in the 18th NAM Summit

In May 2021, Hasina provided the inaugural address for the opening of a new headquarters for the Bangladesh Post Office, named the Dak Bhaban. In her address, Hasina urged for further development of the postal service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. Developmental measures outlined in the address include continuing the service's digital transformation, and the construction of cooling units in postal warehouses to pave the way for the sending of perishable food by mail.<ref name="Dhaka Tribune 2021">Template:Cite news</ref>

File:First Minister Nicola Sturgeon meets with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (51650701244).jpg
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon with Hasina in COP26 in 2021

In January 2022, the government passed a law in the Jatiya Sangsad establishing the Universal Pension Scheme. All Bangladeshi citizens, including expatriates, between 18 and 60 years old are eligible to receive a monthly stipend under the scheme.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

By the end of fiscal year 2021–22, Bangladesh's external debt reached $95.86 billion, a 238% increase from 2011.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The period is also marked by massive irregularities in the banking sector of the country where the amount of default loans went from less than Template:BDTConvert in 2009<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> to more than Template:BDTConvert in 2019 according to IMF.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In July 2022, the Finance Ministry requested fiscal assistance from the International Monetary Fund. The government cited depleting foreign-exchange reserves as a result of the sanctions in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A staff level agreement was reached in November 2022 and in January 2023, the IMF agreed to supply a support programme totalling US$4.7 billion, consisting of US$3.3 billion under the Extended Credit Facility and US$1.4 billion under the new Resilience and Sustainability Facility. The IMF stated support package "will help preserve macroeconomic stability, protect the vulnerable and foster inclusive and green growth."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In December 2022, anti-government protests broke out, linked to the rising costs, demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 28 December, Hasina opened the first phase of Dhaka Metro Rail, the country's first mass-rapid transit system from Uttara to Agargaon.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

File:Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Delivers Speech From Ganabhaban 2024-07-17.jpg
Hasina addressing the nation amid anti-government protests in 17 July 2024

During the 2023 G20 New Delhi summit, Hasina had a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss diversifying India-Bangladesh cooperation, including areas like connectivity and commercial linkages.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> She was accompanied by her daughter Saima Wazed, who is a candidate for a WHO election.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The summit also provided an opportunity for Hasina to meet other global leaders and strengthen Bangladesh's bilateral ties.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Fifth term (2024)

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File:Hasina and Ilham in Munich 2024.jpg
Hasina with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the 60th Munich Security Conference in 2024

In January 2024 Hasina won her fourth consecutive term when her party, the Awami League, won 224 of the 300 parliamentary seats amidst a low voter turnout in an election boycotted by the main opposition.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> She was inaugurated on 11 January.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In May 2024, Sheikh Hasina claimed that a "white country" was plotting to topple her government and claimed that she would be promised trouble-free elections in January if she allowed a "white country" to set up an airbase in Bangladesh. She also alleged that there was a conspiracy to create a Christian country on the lines of East Timor and Myanmar.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Smt. Sheikh Hasina arrived at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on June 22, 2024 (1).jpg
Hasina with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi in June 2024, just over a month before her ouster

In June 2024, Hasina visited India.<ref name="o124">Template:Cite magazine</ref> and one month later she officially visited China upon invitation of its premier, Li Qiang.<ref name="z637">Template:Cite news</ref> The close timing of those two visits was seen as an attempt to mediate between China and India.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="d918">Template:Cite news</ref>

In the same month of Hasina's state visit to China, protests broke out in support of reforming the quota system.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In response, Hasina stated in a press conference, Template:Blockquote

Protesters interpreted this as her referring to them as Razakars and adopted the title in some of their slogans.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The protests later turned violent, involving police, the armed forces, and members of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League, resulting in over 2,000 deaths and more than 20,000 injuries.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="RTV">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The government then shut down internet access for all non-essential purposes, conducted a massive crackdown on protestors with the help of the armed forces, and imposed a curfew that lasted five days.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Supreme Court agreed to reform the quota system,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> but the protesters then demanded justice for those killed during the demonstrations and an official apology from Hasina and the resignation of certain ministers they believed were responsible for inciting violence.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 3 August, the protest organisers issued a single demand and announced a non-cooperation movement,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> calling for the resignation of Hasina and her entire cabinet.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Resignation and second exile

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File:People cheering in front of the Prime Minister's Office after Sheikh Hasina's resignation.jpg
People cheering in front of the Prime Minister's Office, after Hasina's resignation

Hasina resigned on 5 August 2024, as large crowds of demonstrators surrounded the prime minister's residence.<ref name=AngryCrowd>Mujib Mashal, Shayeza Walid and Saif Hasnat, Bangladesh's Leader Fled Just Ahead of an Angry Crowd, Urged by Family to Go Template:Webarchive, New York Times (6 August 2024).</ref> Her resignation was announced by General Waker-uz-Zaman, the Chief of the Army Staff.<ref>Template:Multiref2</ref> Later that day, Hasina fled to India in a chaotic departure, first by car, then by helicopter, and finally by plane.<ref name=AngryCrowd/> She left with no resignation speech.<ref name=AngryCrowd/>

Hasina reportedly flew in a Bangladesh Air Force Lockheed C-130 transport to Hindon Air Force base in Ghaziabad, India, where she was received by the Indian national security advisor Ajit Doval along with other senior military officials.Template:Efn Indian foreign minister S. Jaishankar told the Parliament, "At very short notice, she requested approval to come for the moment to India."<ref name=AngryCrowd/> Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, initially said that she would not return to politics and planned to "stay in Delhi for a little while" before her next destination, but subsequently said on 7 August that she and the Awami League would remain active in the Bangladeshi political scene<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and that she would return to the country once elections were declared.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He also insisted that Sheikh Hasina was still the prime minister, saying that she was unable to formally submit her resignation after being forced to flee from the protesters.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Hasina had hoped to go to London, but the United Kingdom reportedly rebuffed initial overtures seeking political asylum. She reportedly considered seeking temporary residence in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, or Qatar. Because her nephew lives in Finland, that country was speculated as a possible destination. Although Sajeeb Wazed lives in the U.S., she is considered unlikely to seek asylum there, as the U.S. government criticized her rule in Bangladesh.<ref name=FirstpostAug7>Template:Cite news</ref>

Hasina was living in a secret location in India under tight security as of August 2024.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Sajeeb Wazed said that the protests which led to her resignation had support from a foreign intelligence agency, without naming any country.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In a statement published in the Indian media on 11 August, she accused the United States of influencing her resignation, and previously accused the United States of conspiring to oust her in the Jatiya Sangsad.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, Wazed called the statement "false and fabricated" and said Hasina "did not give any statement before or after leaving Dhaka".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The White House also denied allegations of any US involvement.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 13 August, Hasina released her first confirmed statements since her overthrow published by Wazed Joy calling for an investigation into the killings made during the protests, while insisting that police and the Awami League were also victims of "terrorist aggression".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Post-premiership

Template:See also As of 10 September 2024, Hasina is facing 152 cases which include 135 for murder, 7 for crimes against humanity and genocide, 3 for abduction, 6 for attempted murder and 1 for the attack on a BNP procession.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> These cases include other former government officials - Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Transport and Bridges Minister and concurrent Awami League secretary-general Obaidul Quader, and others.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal opened an investigation on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity against her and nine senior government and Awami League officials over their role in the crackdown on the protests following a petition by the father of a killed student.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The BNP requested India to extradite Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh for prosecution against the cases registered on her.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 21 August, the Yunus interim government ordered the revocation of all diplomatic passports including Hasina's.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 29 August, the interim government issued an ordinance revoking a law providing special privileges to the Sheikh–Wazed family, including Sheikh Hasina, under which it was enacted in 2009.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 17 October, the International Crimes Tribunal issued an arrest warrant against her for alleged "crimes against humanity" committed during the July massacre.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 5 December, the tribunal banned her speeches and related broadcasts from being published in Bangladesh.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Presence of a large number of secret prison cells or aynaghars during Sheikh Hasina's 15 years was brought to the public eye by The Commission for Inquiry on Enforced Disappearance and was officially visited by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus with victims and press in February 2025.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At least one detention centre, next to Dhaka International Airport, with many tiny, dark cells had been bricked up to hide it after the regime fell. 500 to 700 cells were found throughout the country.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> People were incarcerated sometimes for many years, and many are thought to have been killed.

A report titled White Paper on State of Bangladesh Economy published on 1 December 2024, estimated that up to US$16 billion was annually diverted through money laundering during Sheikh Hasina's tenure as Prime Minister from 2009 to 2024, adding up to more than $240 billion over 15 years.<ref name="financialexpress">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In December 2024, the Bangladeshi government opened an investigation against Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and her niece, Tulip Siddiq, who is an MP and was then a cabinet minister in the United Kingdom, over allegations of embezzlement of $5 billion in funds for the construction of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant using offshore accounts in Malaysia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 24 December, the Bangladeshi government formally requested the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to extradite Hasina.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Interim Government has made the money laundering case of Sheikh Hasina and her family as a top priority for resolution.<ref name=TBS>Template:Cite web</ref> On 11 March 2025, a Dhaka court ordered the freezing of 124 bank accounts of Sheikh Hasina, her family, related individuals and institutions which had Tk635.14 crore in them.<ref name=DT>Template:Cite web</ref> It has also confiscated eight plots, which include 60-katha RAJUK plot with a deed value of Tk1.80 crore, as well as 10 decimal land holdings valued at Tk8.85 crore.<ref name=TBS/> On 18 March 2025, A court in Dhaka has issued an order to freeze another 31 bank accounts connected to Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Sheikh Rehana, and their affiliates. The total amount held in these accounts is Tk394.6 crore.<ref name=DT/> A joint probe team found assets of Sheikh Hasina, her family, related individuals and institutions in United States, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Cayman Islands. Existence of a Russian slush fund was found in a bank of Malaysia.<ref name=TBS/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On 1 June 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal began trying Sheikh Hasina in absentia for the repression of protests against her government.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 2 July 2025, she was sentenced in absentia by the ICT to six months' imprisonment for contempt of court.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

A leaked audio recording, verified by the BBC, reveals that Hasina authorized lethal force against student-led protesters during 2024, reportedly resulting in up to 1,400 deaths. The unrest, sparked by opposition to civil service job quotas, escalated into a mass uprising that ultimately ousted Hasina after 15 years in power. In the verified call, Hasina is heard instructing security forces to shoot protesters on sight, a directive corroborated by subsequent police use of military-grade weapons across Dhaka. The recording, authenticated through forensic analysis and matched to Hasina's voice, is now being used as key evidence in her trial in absentia for crimes against humanity. While her Awami League party denies any unlawful intent and questions the tape's authenticity, legal experts emphasize the recording's evidentiary significance in linking Hasina directly to the violent crackdown.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On 17 November 2025, Hasina was convicted of crimes against humanity by Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal, on charges including delivering inflammatory speech and ordering the use of lethal force against protesters during the July Revolution, and sentenced to death in absentia.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> She stated the trial was a "farce trial" driven by a "political vendetta."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The OHCHR opposed the death penalty.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Reception

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The Padma Bridge graft scandal involved the ruling Awami League government that allegedly sought, in exchange for the awarding of the construction contract, a large amount of money from the Canadian construction company SNC-Lavalin. A Canadian court subsequently dismissed the case, after the wiretap evidence was excluded from the case.<ref name="ds11Feb2017">Template:Cite news</ref>

As a result of the allegations, the World Bank pulled out of a project to provide funding for the Padma Bridge, citing corruption concerns, cancelling Template:BDTConvert of credit for the Template:Convert road-rail bridge over the Padma River.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> One of the individuals implicated was Minister of Communications Syed Abul Hossain who subsequently resigned and was later acquitted of any wrongdoing.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 11 July 2012, BNP General-Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the Awami League government should make public a letter sent by the World Bank, wherein the Bank brought graft charges against Hasina and three other figures.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 17 January 2016, Hasina stated that a managing director of a bank in the United States provoked the World Bank to cancel the loan.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The bridge was eventually constructed with the government's own funds and was inaugurated in June 2022 at a cost of Template:BDTConvert,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> much higher than the original projected cost of Template:BDTConvert.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 24 January 2017, in a speech in parliament, Prime Minister Hasina blamed Muhammad Yunus for the World Bank's pulling out of the project.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> According to her, Yunus lobbied with the former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to persuade the World Bank to terminate the loan.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 10 February 2017, a justice of the Superior Court of Ontario dismissed the bribery-conspiracy case for lack of any evidence.<ref name="ds11Feb2017" />

In 2018, Hasina's government passed the controversial Digital Security Act, 2018, under which any criticism deemed inappropriate by the government over the internet or any other media could be punished by prison terms of various degrees. This was heavily criticised both domestically and internationally for suppressing people's freedom of speech, as well as undermining press freedom in Bangladesh.<ref>Template:Multiref2</ref>

In December 2022, the Hasina government ordered the closure of 191 websites accused of publishing "anti-state news" citing intelligence reports. Dhaka district authorities ordered the closure of Dainik Dinkal, which is owned by Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Dainik Dinkal appealed the order to the Bangladesh Press Council who dismissed their appeal in February 2022, resulting in its closure.<ref name="tg20Feb2023">Template:Cite news</ref> The move has been criticised by government opponents who claim the move is an attempt to stifle opposition to the government.<ref name="tg20Feb2023" /> The government claimed Dainik Dinkal violated articles 10, 11, 16, 21(1)(kha) of the Printing Presses and Publications (Declaration and Registration) Act, 1973 as it had irregular publication and its publisher was a convicted felon.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In June 2024, Sheikh Hasina paid a state visit to New Delhi, during which Bangladesh and India signed ten bilateral agreements, including one on allowing India a rail corridor to its northeastern states through Bangladeshi territory. This led to widespread criticism in Bangladesh on the issue of the country's sovereignty, accusing Hasina of "selling the country to India".<ref name="sellDT">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="sellPA">Template:Cite news</ref>

Domestically, Hasina has been criticised as being too close to India, often at the cost of Bangladesh's sovereignty.<ref name="sellDT" /><ref name="sellPA" /> She is seen by her critics as a manifestation of India's interference in Bangladeshi politics, which they have described as the main source of her power.<ref name="South China Morning Post">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="kapoor">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="ellis">Template:Cite news</ref>

Personal life

In 1968, Hasina married M. A. Wazed Miah (1942–2009), a Bangladeshi physicist, writer, and chairman of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission.<ref name=":birthday"/><ref name="britannica">Template:Cite web</ref> After her marriage, she adopted the name Wazed from her husband's name.Template:Efn They have a son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and a daughter, Saima Wazed.<ref name=":birthday"/> Saima's father-in-law is a former minister of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and LGRD, Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Hasina's only living sibling, Sheikh Rehana, served as the adviser of Tungipara upazila unit Awami League in Gopalganj in 2017.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Hasina's niece (and Sheikh Rehana's daughter) is Tulip Siddiq, a British Labour Party politician and elected Member of Parliament. Siddiq was City Minister but has since resigned.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=sky-20250114b>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

During her political career, Sheikh Hasina has survived a total of 19 assassination attempts.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> She suffers from a hearing impairment as a result of injuries sustained during the 2004 grenade attack.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Given the violent history of brutal assassination of Sheikh Mujib family in 1975,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and later attempts to assassinate Sheikh Hasina and very high security risk towards the immediate Mujib family members, in 2015, she and her children were given lifelong protection by the government of Bangladesh through the Special Security Force.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Practice of extending such security protection is not rare for persons with high security risk to their lives.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The government also announced free utilities (fuel, water, telephone) and medical treatment for life for her and her family.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, the interim government decided to cancel this law.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Then on 9 September 2024, an ordinance was issued repealing this law.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Honours and awards

Honorary doctorates

Awards

Electoral history

Template:Main

Year Constituency Party Votes % Result
1991 Dhaka-7 Template:Full party name with colour 49,362 36.5 Template:Lost
Dhaka-10 29,451 37.8 Template:Lost
Gopalganj-3 67,945 72.2 Template:Won
June 1996 Bagerhat-1 77,342 51.4 Template:Won
Khulna-1 62,247 53.5 Template:Won
Gopalganj-3 102,689 92.2 Template:Won
2001 Rangpur-6 77,991 44.6 Template:Lost
Gopalganj-3 154,130 94.7 Template:Won
Narail-1 78,216 54.6 Template:Won
Narail-2 97,195 50.3 Template:Won
Barguna-3 55,030 52.5 Template:Won
2008 Rangpur-6 170,542 80.0 Template:Won
Bagerhat-1 142,979 68.3 Template:Won
Gopalganj-3 158,958 97.1 Template:Won
2014 Rangpur-6 148,624 96.8 Template:Won
Gopalganj-3 187,185 98.7 Template:Won
2018 Gopalganj-3 229,539 99.9 Template:Won
2024 Gopalganj-3 249,962 99.4 Template:Won

Bibliography

  1. সাদা কালো (Black and White)<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
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  8. রচনাসমগ্র ২<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
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  15. ওরা টোকাই কেন (Why They Are Dumpster Diving)<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
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  19. সবুজ মাঠ পেরিয়ে (Beyond the Green Field)<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
  20. দারিদ্র দূরীকরণে কিছু চিন্তাভাবনা (Few Thoughts on Eradicating Poverty)<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
  21. বিশ্ব প্রামান্য ঐতিহ্যে বঙ্গবন্ধুর ভাষণ<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
  22. নির্বাচিত ১০০ ভাষণ (Selected 100 speeches)<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
  23. নির্বাচিত প্রবন্ধ (Selected Essay)<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
  24. The Quest for Vision 2021 – 1st Part<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
  25. The Quest for Vision 2021 – 2nd Part<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
  26. Muktidata Sheikh Mujib (Template:Langx) (Preface)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Citations

Notes

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References

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Further reading

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