Sheikh Hasina: Champion Leader in Crisis and Disaster Management

April 6, 2026 • National
Sheikh Hasina: Champion Leader in Crisis and Disaster Management
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Special Correspondent

Sheikh Hasina is known as a visionary and courageous leader in the history of Bangladesh. Her strong leadership, quick decision-making and public welfare measures in various national and international crises have repeatedly saved the country from disaster. She has demonstrated extraordinary crisis management in the areas of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine-Russia war-induced energy crisis, natural disasters like cyclones and floods, and rapid response to protect crops.

Under his leadership, Bangladesh has established itself as a ‘resilient’ nation to the world.

COVID-19 Crisis Management: Free Vaccination for All

When the world was devastated by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Sheikh Hasina immediately decided that the COVID-19 vaccine would be provided free of charge to all citizens of Bangladesh.

She repeatedly demanded in international forums (including the United Nations) that vaccines be affordable and easily accessible to poor countries. The government did not hesitate to spend money on purchasing vaccines. The Prime Minister said, “Vaccines will be procured at any cost.” As a result, Bangladesh quickly launched a vaccination program and was able to fully vaccinate most of the country’s population (more than 70 percent).

His quick decisions, allocation of funds and public awareness programs resulted in a much lower death rate and a gradual recovery of the economy. This is a shining example of his crisis management.

Energy sector management amid Ukraine-Russia war

When the Ukraine-Russia war broke out in 2022, global energy prices (especially gas and oil) skyrocketed. This was a major challenge for an import-dependent country like Bangladesh. The Sheikh Hasina government immediately took steps to import energy from alternative sources, diversify the raw materials for power generation, and reduce unnecessary consumption.

Sheikh Hasina had built different types of power plants based on different fuels like wind power, solar power, natural gas, coal, diesel, etc. As a result, there was no chance of electricity production being disrupted due to dependence on a single raw material.

Long-term projects like the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant were taken forward. The government implemented various policies for energy conservation and made the people aware. As a result, it was possible to maintain the continuity of power supply in the country and the economic damage was limited. Even in this crisis, his visionary leadership saved the country from a major disaster.

Saving the lives of millions in natural disasters: Cyclone shelters and rapid response

Bangladesh is prone to cyclones, tidal waves and floods due to its low-lying land. Under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, the government has invested heavily in building cyclone shelters. Thousands of shelters have been built, providing shelter to millions of people. Millions of volunteers (especially women) have been trained under the Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP).

Early warning, rapid response, and coordinated rescue operations have significantly reduced the number of deaths in major disasters, including cyclones Amphan, Mora, and Fani.

Thousands of lives were saved. Sheikh Hasina said, “Saving lives is the greatest responsibility.” Her humanitarian approach has made the country’s disaster management a global model.

Reducing the number of deaths in cyclones and floods by adopting electrical measures

Under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh’s disaster management has become a model for the world. In previous decades (1970s-1990s), a major cyclone would have killed millions of people. But during her tenure, massive investments were made in the construction of cyclone shelters and Mujib Killa. Millions of volunteers (especially women) were trained under the Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP).

Early weather warnings, rapid response, coordinated rescue operations, and public awareness programs have dramatically reduced fatalities.

For example, Cyclone Amphan in 2020 killed only 26 people, whereas previous storms of the same strength would have killed thousands. Similarly, the death toll in various cyclones including Sidr (2007), Aila, Mahasen, Fani, Bulbul, Yas, etc. decreased from hundreds to a few dozen.

In the event of floods, rapid relief distribution, use of flood shelters, and advance measures to protect crops were taken in various areas of the country, including the haor areas. As a result, the lives of millions of people were saved and post-disaster rehabilitation was also completed quickly.

His humanitarian and scientific approach has established Bangladesh as one of the most successful countries in the world in disaster management. His foresight, quick decision-making, and public welfare attitude are clearly reflected in these initiatives.

Protecting crops and ensuring food security in early floods in Sunamganj

In the haor region of Sunamganj, where early floods often cause extensive damage to Boro rice, the Sheikh Hasina government has stood by farmers here through early warning systems, early harvest assistance, flood shelters, and food assistance programs.

The Prime Minister directly visited the area and ensured the distribution of relief, seeds and fertilizers to the affected farmers. To compensate for the loss of food grains, food supply was continued through VGF, VGD and other social security programs. As a result, the overall food security of the country was maintained and the farmers were rehabilitated. His quick and coordinated response played a significant role in protecting the lives and livelihoods of farmers in the haor region.

Sheikh Hasina’s groundbreaking decision to ensure energy and power crisis

Under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh’s power generation capacity has increased significantly. While the power generation capacity was around 3,500 MW in 2009, it has added more than 25,000 MW during her tenure. As a result, the total installed capacity has reached around 28,000-30,000 MW. Several groundbreaking projects are notable behind this progress.
Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (2,400 MW) is the first nuclear power project in Bangladesh, with the first unit soon to be connected to the national grid. The agreement to import 1,600 MW of power from Adani Power (from the Godda plant in India) has played a significant role in meeting the country’s power deficit.
Imports of electricity from Nepal have begun (initially 40 MW, later up to 60 MW), ensuring clean hydropower supply. The Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal-fired Power Plant (1,200 MW) has been commissioned, making a significant contribution to the country’s electricity supply.
In addition, electricity supply has been ensured as per the demand of factories and industries through various gas, coal and other projects. As a result of these decisions, the continuity of electricity supply in the country has increased and industrialization has accelerated.

Progress in the transition to renewable energy

Although the journey of renewable energy in Bangladesh started slowly, it began to stand on a solid foundation under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. The first solar power plant in the country to directly supply electricity to the national grid was the Sarishabari 3 MW Solar Plant in Jamalpur, which began commercial production on August 3, 2017. At the time, it was a groundbreaking step that brought the potential of renewable energy to the fore. There was no looking back after that.
The future and environmental importance of renewable energy Then in 2023, a 275 MW solar power plant was commissioned in Sundarganj, Gaibandha, which is currently the largest solar project in the country. Not only solar, Bangladesh has also opened new horizons in wind energy. The country’s first large wind power plant with a capacity of 66 MW in Cox’s Bazar was connected to the national grid in October 2023 and started generating electricity.
This progress proves that, with the right planning and investment, renewable energy can be one of the foundations of Bangladesh’s sustainable future. This transition is essential to reduce overreliance on fossil fuels, protect the environment and combat climate change.
Sheikh Hasina took commendable initiatives in various national and international crises and disaster management. Below are some brief examples:
  • Rohingya refugee crisis (2017): Bangladesh opened its borders to more than 1.1 million Rohingya refugees fleeing military persecution in Myanmar. A large refugee camp was set up in Cox’s Bazar and the UN, international organizations, and local people provided food, shelter, medical care, and water. This was praised as a humanitarian response to the world’s largest refugee crisis.
  • Rana Plaza Collapse (2013): In the Savar garment building collapse that killed 1,130 people, he immediately conducted rescue operations, provided medical treatment to the injured and provided financial assistance to the affected families. He coordinated with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to help implement the ‘Accord on Fire and Building Safety’ to improve safety in garment factories.
  • Economic crisis and others: Global economic recession, energy crisis, and rapid stimulus package announced for post-pandemic recovery, providing support to agriculture and industrial sectors.

Sheikh Hasina is not just a political leader, she is a crisis manager. Free vaccinations in Covid, stability in the energy crisis, saving millions of lives in disasters, and ensuring crop and food security in floods—in each case, her foresight, humanity, and speed have saved the country from disaster.

Under his leadership, Bangladesh has become an example to the world that with the right leadership, crisis can be transformed into opportunity. His contribution will remain an inspiration for future generations.

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