Sheikh Hasina is one of the most influential and controversial political figures in South Asia. As the longest-serving Prime Minister in the history of Bangladesh, her leadership has shaped the country’s political trajectory, economic development, foreign relations and democratic discourse for more than two decades. To her supporters, she is a stabilising force, a nation-builder and the custodian of her father’s legacy. To her critics, she is an authoritarian leader who has centralised power and constrained democratic freedoms.
Understanding Sheikh Hasina requires more than a surface-level political biography. Her life is deeply intertwined with the violent birth of Bangladesh, the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, years of exile, military rule, fragile democratic transitions and the constant struggle between ideology, power and survival. Her story is also a mirror of Bangladesh itself – resilient, turbulent, ambitious and scarred by history.
This article explores Sheikh Hasina’s life, leadership and legacy in depth, tracing her journey from a traumatised survivor of political violence to one of the most powerful women in global politics.
Early Life And The Shadow Of History
Sheikh Hasina was born on 28 September 1947 in Tungipara, a village in what was then East Bengal, just weeks after the partition of British India. Her birth coincided with a period of immense upheaval, as the subcontinent was carved into India and Pakistan along religious lines. East Bengal became East Pakistan, separated from West Pakistan by over a thousand miles of Indian territory, an arrangement that would prove politically unstable from the outset.
Sheikh Hasina was the eldest daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who would later become the founding father of Bangladesh. Growing up in a politically active household, she was exposed early to the struggles of Bengali nationalism, language rights and economic inequality. Her father’s leadership during the Language Movement of 1952 and subsequent political campaigns meant that politics was not an abstract concept in her home, but a lived reality.
Unlike many political heirs, Sheikh Hasina’s early life was not one of luxury or detachment from hardship. Her family endured periods of imprisonment, surveillance and political uncertainty. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman spent years in jail during Pakistan’s military rule, and his family often lived under financial and emotional strain.
Sheikh Hasina received her education in Dhaka, attending Eden College and later the University of Dhaka, where she studied Bengali literature. Her academic background, rooted in language and culture rather than law or economics, would later influence her rhetorical style and emphasis on national identity.
The defining moment of her early life came on 15 August 1975, when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and almost his entire family were assassinated in a military coup. Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana survived only because they were abroad at the time. Overnight, she went from being the daughter of a national leader to an exile carrying unimaginable grief.
This tragedy did not simply alter her personal life; it reshaped her political destiny. The assassination created a void in Bangladesh’s political narrative, and Sheikh Hasina would eventually step into that void, driven by a sense of duty as much as ambition.
Years In Exile And Political Awakening
Following the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh entered a prolonged period of political instability. Military rulers, beginning with Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad and later General Ziaur Rahman, consolidated power, rewriting political narratives and attempting to marginalise the Awami League, the party founded by Sheikh Mujib.
Sheikh Hasina spent much of this period in exile, primarily in India. Exile, however, did not mean political dormancy. On the contrary, it was during these years that her political identity began to crystallise. She remained in contact with Awami League leaders, supporters and international allies, slowly emerging as a unifying figure for a party that had been decimated by repression and internal divisions.
In 1981, the Awami League elected Sheikh Hasina as its president, even though she was still abroad. This decision was symbolic as much as strategic. By placing her at the helm, the party sought to reclaim the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and mobilise emotional support among the population.
Sheikh Hasina returned to Bangladesh in May 1981 to a massive public reception. Her arrival marked the re-entry of dynastic politics into the national stage, but it also signalled resistance to military dominance. At the time, General Hussain Muhammad Ershad was consolidating his rule, having seized power in a bloodless coup in 1982.
Throughout the 1980s, Sheikh Hasina emerged as a leading figure in the pro-democracy movement against Ershad’s regime. She faced arrests, house detention and repeated intimidation. These years forged her political resilience and sharpened her understanding of power, compromise and confrontation.
Unlike some opposition leaders who relied solely on street protests, Sheikh Hasina worked to rebuild party structures, cultivate grassroots support and form strategic alliances. Her leadership during this period was not universally praised, but it was effective in keeping the Awami League relevant during a time of authoritarian rule.
The fall of Ershad in 1990, following mass protests, paved the way for the restoration of parliamentary democracy. Sheikh Hasina had not yet reached the pinnacle of power, but she had firmly established herself as a central figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
First Term As Prime Minister And Democratic Restoration
Sheikh Hasina first became Prime Minister in June 1996, following elections that brought the Awami League back to power after 21 years. Her victory was historic, not only because of her family legacy, but also because it symbolised a return to civilian rule after years of military influence.
One of the most significant achievements of her first term was the signing of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with India in 1996. Water rights had long been a contentious issue between the two countries, and the agreement was widely seen as a diplomatic success that improved bilateral relations.
Her government also took steps to restore democratic institutions, repeal some repressive laws and address war crimes committed during the 1971 Liberation War. The establishment of mechanisms to investigate these crimes was controversial but deeply meaningful for many Bangladeshis who felt that justice had been delayed for too long.
Economically, her first term focused on stabilisation rather than transformation. Bangladesh remained heavily dependent on agriculture, remittances and foreign aid. While some progress was made in education and social indicators, critics argued that corruption and inefficiency continued to plague governance.
Sheikh Hasina’s leadership style during this period was often described as cautious but determined. She faced a hostile opposition led by Khaleda Zia of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, with whom she shared a deeply personal and political rivalry. The polarisation between the two leaders became a defining feature of Bangladeshi politics, often paralysing parliament and spilling onto the streets.
In 2001, Sheikh Hasina lost the general election to Khaleda Zia’s BNP-led alliance. The defeat marked the end of her first term, but it also set the stage for an even more dramatic political comeback.
Return To Power And Political Consolidation
Sheikh Hasina returned to power in January 2009, following elections held after a military-backed caretaker government oversaw a period of emergency rule. Her victory was decisive, and it marked the beginning of her longest and most transformative tenure as Prime Minister.
This period was characterised by political consolidation on an unprecedented scale. Sheikh Hasina moved swiftly to neutralise opposition, reform institutions and centralise authority. Supporters argue that these steps were necessary to ensure stability and prevent the return of military intervention. Critics contend that they undermined democratic norms and weakened checks and balances.
One of the most significant actions of her government was the establishment of the International Crimes Tribunal to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes during the 1971 Liberation War. The trials, particularly those targeting leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami, were highly polarising. While many welcomed the pursuit of justice, others questioned the fairness of the proceedings and accused the government of using the tribunal to eliminate political rivals.
Sheikh Hasina’s government also amended the constitution to remove the caretaker government system, which had previously overseen elections. This decision was fiercely contested and remains one of the most debated aspects of her legacy. Subsequent elections in 2014 and 2018 were boycotted or criticised by opposition parties and international observers, further intensifying concerns about democratic erosion.
Despite these controversies, Sheikh Hasina maintained a firm grip on power, aided by strong control over state institutions, the media and the security apparatus. Her ability to navigate internal party dynamics and marginalise dissent within the Awami League also contributed to her longevity.
Economic Growth And Development Narrative
One of the central pillars of Sheikh Hasina’s political narrative is economic development. Under her leadership, Bangladesh has experienced sustained economic growth, averaging over six per cent annually for much of the past decade. The country has made significant progress in poverty reduction, life expectancy, maternal health and education.
The ready-made garments industry, already a key driver of the economy, expanded further, making Bangladesh one of the world’s largest exporters of clothing. Remittances from overseas workers continued to play a crucial role, providing stability to foreign exchange reserves.
Infrastructure development became a hallmark of Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. Projects such as the Padma Bridge, Dhaka Metro Rail and expansion of power generation capacity were promoted as symbols of national progress. The completion of the Padma Bridge without direct World Bank funding was presented as a matter of national pride.
Her government also embraced digitalisation through initiatives such as Digital Bangladesh, aimed at expanding internet access, e-governance and technology-driven services. These efforts transformed certain sectors but also widened disparities between urban and rural areas.
However, economic growth under Sheikh Hasina has not been without criticism. Allegations of crony capitalism, banking sector irregularities and rising inequality persist. While poverty rates have declined, wealth concentration among elites has increased, raising questions about the inclusivity of development.
Nonetheless, for many ordinary Bangladeshis, tangible improvements in infrastructure and living standards have reinforced Sheikh Hasina’s image as a leader who delivers results, even if at the cost of political freedoms.
Foreign Policy And Regional Influence
Sheikh Hasina’s foreign policy has been marked by pragmatism and regional balancing. She has maintained close relations with India, strengthening cooperation on trade, security and connectivity. Her government’s stance against anti-Indian insurgent groups operating from Bangladeshi territory significantly improved bilateral trust.
At the same time, she has cultivated strong ties with China, securing investments in infrastructure, energy and telecommunications. Bangladesh’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative reflects Sheikh Hasina’s strategy of diversifying partnerships without becoming overly dependent on any single power.
Relations with Western countries have been more complex. While Bangladesh remains an important development partner and contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, concerns about human rights, press freedom and electoral integrity have strained relations with the United States and European Union.
Sheikh Hasina’s handling of the Rohingya refugee crisis brought international recognition. By allowing over a million Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Myanmar to seek shelter in Bangladesh, her government demonstrated humanitarian leadership. However, the prolonged nature of the crisis and limited international burden-sharing have placed immense pressure on resources and local communities.
Overall, Sheikh Hasina has positioned Bangladesh as a stable regional actor, leveraging geography and diplomacy to enhance the country’s strategic relevance.
Leadership Style And Political Personality
Sheikh Hasina’s leadership style is often described as decisive, uncompromising and intensely personal. She is known for her sharp memory, attention to detail and intolerance for dissent, particularly when it challenges her authority or legacy.
Her political identity is deeply intertwined with her father’s memory. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is a constant presence in her speeches, policies and symbolism. Critics argue that this emphasis reinforces personality-centric politics, while supporters see it as a rightful preservation of national history.
Sheikh Hasina’s rivalry with Khaleda Zia has shaped Bangladesh’s political culture for decades. The antagonism between the two leaders goes beyond policy differences, reflecting personal grievances, ideological divides and competing narratives of national identity. This rivalry has contributed to a zero-sum political environment, where compromise is often seen as weakness.
Despite her authoritarian tendencies, Sheikh Hasina remains a highly skilled political operator. Her ability to read the political mood, neutralise threats and adapt strategies has enabled her to outlast rivals and maintain popular support among key constituencies.
Human Rights And Democratic Concerns
No assessment of Sheikh Hasina’s legacy is complete without addressing concerns about human rights and democracy. International organisations and local activists have documented restrictions on freedom of expression, enforced disappearances and the use of security laws to silence critics.
The Digital Security Act, in particular, has been criticised for criminalising dissent and enabling arbitrary arrests. Journalists, academics and social media users have faced prosecution under the law, raising fears about self-censorship and shrinking civic space.
Elections under Sheikh Hasina’s later terms have been marred by allegations of vote rigging, intimidation and lack of genuine competition. While her party has secured overwhelming victories, the absence of a credible opposition has undermined public confidence in the electoral process.
Supporters counter these criticisms by pointing to stability, economic progress and the prevention of extremist violence. They argue that Bangladesh’s political context requires strong leadership to prevent chaos and regression.
The tension between stability and democracy remains one of the most contentious aspects of Sheikh Hasina’s rule.
Legacy And Historical Assessment
Sheikh Hasina’s legacy is complex and deeply contested. She has undeniably transformed Bangladesh’s economy and international standing, leaving behind visible markers of development. Her role in prosecuting war crimes has reshaped national memory and addressed long-standing demands for justice.
At the same time, her centralisation of power and suppression of dissent raise serious questions about the long-term health of Bangladesh’s democracy. Future historians will likely debate whether her leadership strengthened the state at the expense of its institutions, or whether it provided the foundation for sustainable progress.
As one of the world’s longest-serving female leaders, Sheikh Hasina occupies a unique place in global political history. Her journey from exile to dominance reflects both personal resilience and the enduring influence of political dynasties in South Asia.
Whether she is ultimately remembered as a nation-builder, an authoritarian ruler, or a complex blend of both will depend not only on her actions, but on how Bangladesh evolves in the years to come.
Conclusion
Sheikh Hasina’s life and leadership encapsulate the contradictions of modern Bangladesh. She is a product of history and a shaper of it, driven by personal tragedy, political conviction and an unyielding will to power. Her story is one of survival, ambition and relentless control, set against the backdrop of a nation still negotiating its democratic identity.
For supporters, she represents stability, development and national pride. For critics, she symbolises the erosion of democratic values and the dangers of unchecked authority. Both perspectives are rooted in reality, reflecting the multifaceted nature of her rule.
As Bangladesh continues its journey through the twenty-first century, Sheikh Hasina’s imprint on the nation will remain indelible, shaping debates about power, progress and the true meaning of leadership for generations to come.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available historical sources and interpretations. The content does not represent political advice, endorsement, or advocacy. Any errors or omissions are unintentional.