The political history of Bangladesh is intricately tied to the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding president, whose assassination along with most of his family in 1975 left a profound impact on the nation’s trajectory. Among the few survivors of this tragedy were his daughters, Sheikh Hasina Wajid and her sister, who were out of the country at the time. This tragic event perhaps laid the foundation for what many would see as the divine preservation of Sheikh Mujib’s legacy through his daughter, Sheikh Hasina. Having been politically active during her student years, Sheikh Hasina underwent rigorous training in practical politics, experiencing imprisonment and the harsh realities of political life. Her resilience eventually led her to the pinnacle of power, becoming the Prime Minister of Bangladesh four times.
Sheikh Hasina’s tenure as Prime Minister is marked by significant achievements, particularly her promises to digitize Bangladesh, reduce poverty, and promote economic development. Her government’s economic policies led to impressive GDP growth and inflation control, earning her widespread applause both within Bangladesh and abroad. There was a time when Bangladesh’s development under her leadership was lauded, even in neighbouring Pakistan, where her government’s economic performance was often cited as a model for progress. However, the trajectory of her rule also exemplifies a common narrative in politics: the gradual shift from serving the people to consolidating personal power.
Despite her early popularity and the tangible progress her government made, Sheikh Hasina’s leadership began to show signs of authoritarianism. The suppression of political opponents and the pursuit of revenge overshadowed her initial focus on development and public welfare. Her decision to ban Jamaat-e-Islami, a political party with historical ties to Bangladesh’s independence war, and her harsh treatment of those who supported the Pakistani army during the 1971 Liberation War, including the hanging of al-Badr, al-Shams, and other volunteers, reignited old wounds rather than healing them.
One of the most controversial aspects of Sheikh Hasina’s rule was her government’s handling of the Rohingya refugee crisis. Despite international pressure and the humanitarian need, she refused to allow the oppressed Rohingya Muslims to seek refuge in Bangladesh. This decision was seen by many as a reflection of her increasingly uncompassionate and rigid stance. Additionally, her political rivalry with Begum Khaleda Zia, another prominent Bangladeshi leader, further polarized the nation’s political landscape. Sheikh Hasina’s government not only jailed Khaleda Zia but also imposed restrictions on the media, curbing the freedom of expression and stifling criticism.
During her 15-year rule, Sheikh Hasina secured her power in every possible way, often through coercive means. However, it was the introduction of a quota system in government jobs that unexpectedly became the catalyst for the downfall of her regime. The quota system allocated 54 percent of government jobs in Bangladesh based on classifications rather than merit, leaving only 46 percent open to merit-based competition. This system sparked widespread discontent among students, who felt disenfranchised and marginalized. When they took to the streets to protest, Sheikh Hasina’s response was one of repression rather than dialogue.
In an attempt to justify the state’s violent crackdown on the protesters, Sheikh Hasina referred to them as “volunteers,” a term historically associated with those who had supported the Pakistani army during the 1971 Liberation War. This miscalculation backfired, as the students, instead of being intimidated, began to proudly adopt the term “volunteers” as a badge of honour. The slogan “Hum Tum Kone Wahkiar Wahkiar” emerged from this movement, symbolizing a growing resistance against Hasina’s authoritarian rule.
The situation escalated when Sheikh Hasina labelled the protesters as terrorists, ordering the police to open fire on them. The resulting violence led to the deaths of dozens of students, further inflaming public anger. Sensing the growing momentum of the student movement, political parties that had been subdued for years began to rally behind the students, channelling their own long-suppressed grievances against Hasina’s government.
Faced with an escalating crisis, Sheikh Hasina attempted to quell the unrest by imposing a nationwide curfew. However, her grip on power was further weakened when retired soldiers held a press conference, urging the military not to act against the people. The situation reached a critical point when the Bangladesh army chief publicly declared that the military would stand with the people, not the government. This declaration effectively sealed Sheikh Hasina’s fate.
On the brink of losing power, Sheikh Hasina, who had just a day earlier vowed neither to resign nor to yield to the protesters’ demands, was forced to abandon her position and flee the country. Her request to address the nation before leaving was denied, and she ultimately sought refuge in India, though it remains uncertain whether India would grant her asylum, given the potential backlash from the people of Bangladesh.
The end of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule serves as a stark reminder of the perils of authoritarianism and the importance of maintaining a government that is accountable to its people. Her journey from a celebrated leader to a figure of controversy highlights the complex dynamics of power, legacy, and governance in Bangladesh. The lessons from her political career underscore the need for leaders to prioritize the welfare of their citizens over personal vendettas and to remain humble in the face of power, lest they, too, face a similar downfall.
