Sheikh Hasina: Bangladesh's Longest-Serving Prime Minister

Early Life and Political Career

Sheikh Hasina Wazed, born on September 28, 1947, is a Bangladeshi politician who has served as the tenth Prime Minister of Bangladesh twice, from June 1996 to July 2001 and again from 2009 to the present.

She is the daughter of the country's first President, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and played a key role in the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.

Rise to Power

After her father's assassination in 1975, Hasina went into exile and returned to Bangladesh in 1981. She became the leader of the Awami League, one of the country's major political parties, in 1986.

She won her first term as Prime Minister in 1996, leading the country through a period of economic growth and political stability.

Policies and Achievements

Hasina's policies have focused on poverty reduction, economic development, and improving education and healthcare for all Bangladeshis.

• Poverty reduction: Hasina has implemented numerous programs aimed at reducing poverty, including social protection schemes and microfinance.
• Economic development: She has pursued policies that have led to significant economic growth, with GDP increasing by an average of 6% during her time in office.
• Education: Hasina has prioritized expanding access to education, increasing literacy rates and establishing new schools and universities.
• Healthcare: She has also made significant investments in healthcare, improving access to affordable healthcare for all citizens.

Controversies and Challenges

Despite her achievements, Hasina's tenure has not been without controversy.

• Human rights concerns: There have been allegations of human rights violations and suppression of dissent during her time in power.
• Political violence: Bangladesh has experienced episodes of political violence, including clashes between the Awami League and opposition parties.

International Recognition

Sheikh Hasina has received international recognition for her leadership and contributions to Bangladesh's development.

• In 2010, she was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world.
• She has also been awarded numerous international awards for her work in addressing poverty and promoting peace.

Legacy

Sheikh Hasina's legacy as Bangladesh's longest-serving prime minister will likely be shaped by her policies and their impact on the country's development and stability.

Her achievements have included reducing poverty, promoting economic growth, and improving access to education and healthcare.

However, her tenure has also been marked by controversies and challenges, including allegations of human rights violations and political violence.