Sheikh Hasina Wazed, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has resigned and fled the country amid a wave of intense protests that spiraled into deadly nationwide unrest. The 76-year-old leader reportedly escaped to India on Monday, traveling by helicopter as thousands of demonstrators stormed her official residence in Dhaka, marking a dramatic end to her extensive political career.
Early Political Career and Rise to Power
Hasina’s journey in politics began against a backdrop of personal and national tragedy. Born in 1947, she is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh who led the country to independence from Pakistan in 1971. As a student leader at Dhaka University, Hasina was already making waves in the political arena. After her father’s assassination in 1975, Hasina and her sister were the only members of the family to survive a military coup. They lived in exile in India until Hasina returned to Bangladesh in 1981, assuming leadership of the Awami League, the party founded by her father.
Hasina’s leadership became prominent during the military rule of General Hussain Muhammed Ershad. Her role in leading pro-democracy protests helped to propel her into the national spotlight. She first became Prime Minister in 1996, earning acclaim for signing significant agreements with India, including a water-sharing deal, and for negotiating a peace agreement with tribal insurgents in the southeastern part of the country.
Achievements and Economic Progress
During her tenure, Bangladesh witnessed notable economic advancements. Under Hasina’s leadership, the country emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in South Asia. The garment industry, which represents a significant portion of Bangladesh’s exports, expanded rapidly, contributing to a tripling of per capita income over the past decade. The World Bank estimates that over 25 million people have been lifted out of poverty during her time in office. Infrastructure projects such as the $2.9 billion Padma Bridge further highlighted her government’s efforts to drive development.
Controversies and Authoritarianism
Despite these achievements, Hasina’s tenure has been increasingly marred by accusations of authoritarianism. Her administration has faced criticism for its treatment of political opponents and dissenters. Reports of politically motivated arrests, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings have become common. Rights groups have documented at least 600 cases of enforced disappearances and numerous instances of extrajudicial killings since Hasina’s return to power in 2009.
The latest wave of protests began over a controversial quota system for civil service jobs, which many viewed as unjust. The protests quickly escalated into a broader anti-government movement, with Hasina’s government responding with a violent crackdown. Security forces have been accused of killing more than 200 people and injuring many others. In response to mounting pressure, Hasina had remained defiant, labeling protesters as “terrorists” and taking harsh measures against dissenters.
Economic and Political Challenges
The recent unrest has been exacerbated by economic issues, including skyrocketing inflation, a steep drop in foreign exchange reserves, and a doubling of foreign debt since 2016. Critics argue that Hasina’s government mismanaged the economy, and that the benefits of economic growth were unevenly distributed, favoring those close to her administration. Additionally, the rising cost of living and economic challenges have fueled discontent.
Legacy and Transition
Sheikh Hasina’s resignation creates a significant power vacuum in Bangladesh, raising concerns about the country’s future stability. The transition will be critical, as the new government must address the deep-seated issues that fueled the recent unrest and navigate the complexities of a politically divided nation. With a legacy marked by both substantial economic progress and serious human rights abuses, Hasina’s departure leaves Bangladesh at a crossroads, facing both opportunities and challenges as it moves forward.
