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From Bangladesh Liberation Hero’s Daughter to Controversial PM
Sheikh Hasina Wazed (born September 28, 1947) is a prominent Bangladeshi politician and the eldest daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding president of Bangladesh. Known for her resilience and political acumen, Sheikh Hasina has played a pivotal role in shaping modern Bangladesh. She served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 1996 to 2001 and again from 2009 until her resignation in August 2024, making her the country’s longest-serving prime minister.
Early Life and Education
Sheikh Hasina was born in Tungipara, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) on September 28, 1947. She is the eldest of five children in the Sheikh family. Hasina showed early interest in politics, participating in activism during her university years at the University of Dhaka in the late 1960s.
During the 1971 Liberation War, she and her family were imprisoned by the Pakistani army. Following the tragic assassination of her father and other family members in 1975, Sheikh Hasina and her sister survived while living in exile in West Germany.
Political Career
Rise in Politics
In 1981, Sheikh Hasina was elected President of the Awami League while still in exile, marking the beginning of her long political journey. She returned to Bangladesh and quickly became a key opposition leader, serving from 1986 to 1990 and again from 1991 to 1995.
First Term as Prime Minister (1996–2001)
Sheikh Hasina first became Prime Minister in 1996. Her administration focused on:
- Infrastructure development
- Economic stabilization
- Social reforms
However, her government faced criticism for alleged authoritarian tendencies and political suppression.
Second Tenure (2009–2024)
Returning to power in January 2009, Hasina served four consecutive terms, during which Bangladesh experienced significant economic growth. Key achievements include:
- Tripling of per capita income
- Lifting millions out of poverty
- Execution of war criminals from the 1971 Liberation War
- Hosting over 700,000 Rohingya refugees in 2017
Sheikh Hasina later years in office drew criticism from human rights organizations, highlighting concerns over extrajudicial arrests and disappearances.
Resignation and Exile
Mass protests erupted in July–August 2024, initially demanding civil service reform but eventually calling for her resignation. Facing mounting pressure, Sheikh Hasina resigned in August 2024 and went into exile, ending an era of unprecedented political dominance in Bangladesh.
Personal Life
Sheikh Hasina is married to M. A. Wazed Miah, a nuclear scientist. She has children, including Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who is active in political and digital governance initiatives.
Legacy
Sheikh Hasina is recognized as both a pro-democracy icon and a controversial political figure. Her leadership contributed to Bangladesh’s economic progress, women’s empowerment, and international recognition, while her later years highlighted challenges in governance and human rights.
References & Further Reading
- Britannica: Sheikh Hasina Wazed
- Wikipedia: Sheikh Hasina
- BBC News: Sheikh Hasina – Bangladesh’s Pro-Democracy Icon
- Council of Women World Leaders
- Columbia World Leaders Forum
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About the Author
Praise Graciebby is a content creator on Essie Book Blog, where she writes celebrity biographies, sports updates, gossip, and trending news. With a passion for entertainment and lifestyle journalism, Praise provides readers with simple, accurate, and up-to-date profiles of public figures worldwide.
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