Sheikh Hasina: An Icon of Leadership and Beacon of Development

Opinion

The name of Sheikh Hasina will forever remain immortal in Bangladesh’s history due to her leadership qualities and immense contributions to the country’s overall development. She has left her mark not only in the political arena but also in social, economic, diplomatic, and cultural spheres through her intellect, wisdom, and foresight. Standing at critical junctures of history, she has repeatedly proven that leadership is not merely about occupying positions of power—but about facing adversity with courage, uniting the nation to move forward collectively, and working with unwavering dedication and vision to realize people’s cherished dreams. Therefore, in 2024, amidst turbulent times of domestic and foreign conspiracies, falsehoods, baseless propaganda, and political instability, she peacefully stepped aside from power, considering only the country’s stability and people’s welfare. She made this far-sighted decision not out of personal interest or lust for power, but for the greater good of the nation, choosing to stay abroad when necessary so her presence wouldn’t cause unwanted chaos. This decision has faced criticism and raised questions in various quarters. However, when examined through the lens of logic and measured by patriotism, it becomes clear—the path Sheikh Hasina chose was a responsible, courageous, and self-sacrificing decision for the sake of the state’s peace, continuity of democracy, and protection of public interest. Only a true statesman can demonstrate such selfless leadership by taking timely action.

Born on September 28, 1947, Sheikh Hasina was the eldest daughter of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. She grew up in the shadow of her father’s politics, ideals, and philosophy. Her early political engagement began during her student life, particularly through active participation in East Pakistan’s political movements during the 1960s.

Her family environment, her father’s struggles, and the deprivations under British colonial rule sharpened her intellect. Inspired by these, she gradually embraced her father’s ideals and began thinking about the welfare of the country and its people like a true patriotic leader, like a responsible daughter of Bengal. However, her formal political debut occurred in 1981 when she was given the responsibility of Awami League’s presidency while still in exile—a monumental task of steering a shattered party.

At that time, Awami League was leaderless, devastated by internal divisions, and battered by the oppression of authoritarian rule. Under the harsh shadow of military rule, democracy was endangered, freedom of expression was fragmented, and opposition parties faced relentless persecution. In such a dire political context, Sheikh Hasina’s decision to leave the safe haven of exile and return to the country was a daring and risky move—a commitment to take charge of the party that carried the flag of independence, overcoming mountainous obstacles. But she chose that path because her blood carried Bangabandhu’s ideals, and her heart held the pledge to serve the nation. Defying all fears, conspiracies, and threats, she returned home and breathed life into the mechanical, gloomy stage of politics. She began rebuilding the party, reviving the shattered organization, and most importantly—restoring people’s lost trust through her firmness, honesty, and voice. Over time, she became an unstoppable force in the country’s politics—a presence that symbolized people’s courage, hope, and faith.

During the 1980s and 90s, Sheikh Hasina was the leading voice of the anti-autocracy mass movement—a fighting leader who relentlessly took to the streets for people’s basic rights to vote, freedom of expression, and a decent living, encapsulated in the slogan “Vote and Rice.” Under her leadership, this movement wasn’t just political; it reflected a profound social and moral awakening—an aspiration to rebuild the foundations of human rights, dignity, and democracy.

She formed a 15-party alliance against General Ershad’s military rule, creating a platform for national unity. Despite extreme repression, she stood firm on the streets, never compromising or retreating. The 1990 mass uprising and Ershad’s ouster that restored democracy in the country saw Sheikh Hasina as one of its chief architects. History testifies—this struggle wasn’t merely a political achievement of one leader but her unforgettable contribution to the nation’s liberation history.

In 1996, Sheikh Hasina assumed state power for the first time. Upon taking office, she initiated a new chapter in Bangladesh’s development history. Her government’s initiatives—agricultural subsidies, special stipends for girls’ education, free textbooks, food self-sufficiency, expansion of microcredit programs, and the inception of information technology—strengthened the country’s social and economic foundations. The “Electricity in Every Home” program began through renewable energy. Her government earned praise for effectively managing the 1998 catastrophic floods and food crises. During this term, Sheikh Hasina demonstrated statesmanlike leadership.

Under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh has witnessed multiple historic achievements. In 1997, her government signed the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, ending decades of conflict and paving the way for peace. In 2015, the enclave exchange with India granted citizenship rights to people trapped in stateless limbo for centuries. The 1996 Ganges Water Treaty, achieved through her diplomatic acumen, established a permanent framework for transboundary water sharing. Additionally, those who labeled Awami League as an “atheist party” were silenced as Sheikh Hasina demonstrated profound respect for Islamic values, religious tolerance, and constitutional religious rights, freeing the party from such slander. Her visionary leadership has made extraordinary contributions to Bangladesh’s peace, development, and political equilibrium.

When the party lost power in the 2001 elections, negative politics began in the country, leading to a dark era contrary to the spirit of liberation. From 2001-2006, misrule prevailed, with state-sponsored rise of militancy and political violence spreading like an epidemic. However, as opposition leader, Sheikh Hasina stood firmly with the affected people, continuing the struggle against corruption, militancy, and political violence. Her courage and leadership sparked a powerful movement for change in society. Even when arrested during the 2007 military-backed caretaker government, her popularity reached astonishing heights. In the 2008 elections, she achieved a massive victory with the slogans “Vision 2021” and “Digital Bangladesh,” marking a milestone in the country’s history. This victory began the second phase of Sheikh Hasina’s governance—marked by development, technological revolution, and political consolidation.

Under Sheikh Hasina’s governance, Bangladesh has achieved unprecedented development that has amazed many countries worldwide. Under her leadership, per capita income has more than tripled, while the poverty rate has dropped from 40% to around 18%—a major success in the country’s history. Power generation has surged from 5,000 MW to over 25,000 MW, playing a crucial role in industrial growth. Her government has implemented multiple mega projects like the Padma Bridge, Metro Rail, Bangabandhu Satellite, Karnaphuli Tunnel, and Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant—all funded domestically, a rare feat for a middle-income country. Embracing economic nationalism, she has encouraged domestic industries and agricultural production while adopting policies to boost exports in garments, pharmaceuticals, and technology. Her government has prioritized renewable energy and eco-friendly development, creating harmonious balance between economy and environment. She has adopted long-term progressive plans like “Delta Plan 2100,” ensuring climate-resilient development. Particularly, her contributions to combating climate change have earned global recognition, with Bangladesh now seen as a model country in climate adaptation.

One of Sheikh Hasina’s most significant contributions is completing the war crimes trials. The formation of the International Crimes Tribunal in 2010 paved the way for prosecuting perpetrators of crimes against humanity in 1971. The August 21 grenade attack trial was also completed during this time. These steps will remain unique precedents in establishing justice and historical accountability in Bangladesh. By trying war criminals and establishing rule of law, Sheikh Hasina has opened new horizons in breaking the culture of impunity—a milestone for a third-world country.

A groundbreaking initiative of Sheikh Hasina’s government is women’s empowerment. Under her leadership, revolutionary progress has been made in female education, political participation, and economic independence. Stipends for girls’ education, free textbook distribution, easy-term loans for women entrepreneurs, quotas for women in political offices, and priority for women in administration have played pivotal roles in women’s socio-economic advancement. For the first time in Bangladesh, women have been appointed as UNOs, DCs, SPs, secretaries, and to top military posts and the Supreme Court—a milestone in the country’s history. Additionally, monthly allowances for the landless, housing for the homeless, and various welfare initiatives under social safety nets have significantly contributed to establishing social justice. Renowned economist Amartya Sen has praised these initiatives, calling her a unique architect of welfare economics.

By sheltering the persecuted Rohingya community fleeing Myanmar in 2017, Sheikh Hasina not only fulfilled a humanitarian responsibility but also set a unique example of compassion for the world.

At various UN forums, she has consistently taken a strong stance for Rohingya repatriation, shaping global opinion through humanitarian diplomacy. Under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh’s foreign policy stands on the principle of “Friendship to all, malice towards none.” She has maintained development cooperation with India, China, the US, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Russia while maintaining strategic balance, and has also taken clear positions against imperialism and hegemony.

Despite numerous successes during Sheikh Hasina’s long tenure, there have been serious criticisms and failures. Accommodating groups like Hefazat-e-Islam and Khilafat Majlis, repeatedly rewarding loyalists, politicization of administration, and suppression of dissenting voices have raised questions about democracy and good governance. Concerns persist about judicial impartiality, and there’s a lack of effective measures to combat corruption and ensure justice. Another major issue is the shrinking space for media and free speech, with allegations of threats against journalists and censorship. These failures have hindered the establishment of democratic values and rule of law.

Nevertheless, there’s no doubt that Sheikh Hasina is an unforgettable name in Bangladesh’s history. She is not just a successful prime minister but a visionary statesman—a fighting daughter, compassionate mother, far-sighted leader, and voice of humanity all at once. Her contributions to advancing Bangladesh on the path of development, stability, and self-respect will be remembered for generations. Today, the country faces another critical moment. Foreign conspirators have encroached upon our map, and our territory now confronts a severe crisis. While Sheikh Hasina’s leadership expanded the country’s borders, the current threats to independence could plunge our future into darkness. To overcome this situation, there’s no alternative to Sheikh Hasina’s steadfast leadership. To protect national security and sovereignty, we must advance once more under her experienced and combative guidance, united by patriotic spirit—this is the greatest demand of the current times.

-Ali Shariati
A political thinker