Sheikh Hasina: Life, political struggle and a long journey in the history of Bangladesh
Sheikh Hasina: Life, political struggle and a long journey in the history of Bangladesh
September 28 is a well-known date associated with the political history of Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina was born on this day in 1947 in Tungipara, Gopalganj. She is the eldest child of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, one of the main leaders of the independence movement of Bangladesh, and Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib. Her 79th birthday is on September 28, 2026.
Sheikh Hasina's political career has been intertwined with important developments in the state and politics of Bangladesh for decades. Leadership of the Awami League, opposition politics, serving multiple terms as Prime Minister, various economic and infrastructural initiatives, and at the same time, debates on elections, political rights, and human rights are important parts of her political career.
To understand her life, one must look at her personal history and the political changes in Bangladesh side by side. The 1975 family massacre, long exile, return to the country in 1981, taking over the leadership of the Awami League, becoming the Prime Minister for the first time in 1996, and leading the government for a long time since 2009 are notable chapters in her political journey. Her prime ministerial term ends in August 2024.
September 28th is also Sheikh Hasina's birthday.
Sheikh Hasina was born on 28 September 1947 in Tungipara, Gopalganj. She is the eldest of the five children of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Fazilatunnesa Mujib. Her childhood was spent at a time when the questions of East Bengal's political identity, language rights, autonomy and later independence were becoming increasingly important.
Her family was politically active. The political situation also influenced the family's life due to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's long political struggle and imprisonment. This family environment later became important in the development of Sheikh Hasina's own political identity.
Her involvement with student politics began in the 1960s. She was elected vice-president of the student council of Eden Women's College and later was also involved in student politics at Dhaka University. Her political career essentially began during this period.
Childhood, family and educationTungipara and Dhaka are particularly associated with Sheikh Hasina's childhood. Her adolescence and student life were spent amidst the political turmoil of the Pakistan era. The political environment following the Language Movement, the Six-Point Movement, and the movement centered around the demand for autonomy profoundly influenced the political reality of her generation.
During her student life, she was involved in the activities of the Awami League student organization. Her political activism became more visible during the Six-Point Movement of 1966. Later, she was also involved in student politics while studying at Dhaka University. According to a biographical report by bdnews24, she graduated from Dhaka University in 1973.
Sheikh Hasina married nuclear scientist M.A. Wazed Mia in 1968. They have two children, Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Saima Wazed.
The Liberation War of 1971 and the Tragedy of 1975Sheikh Hasina was staying with her family in Dhaka during the 1971 Liberation War and was placed under house arrest along with some of her family members. After the independence of Bangladesh, a new chapter began in her political and family life.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family were assassinated on August 15, 1975. Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana survived as they were out of the country at the time. The assassination radically changed her personal life and had a lasting impact on her later political career.
She then spent a few years abroad. During this time, she was unable to return home, and a new reality emerged regarding the leadership of the Awami League.
Return to the country in 1981Sheikh Hasina was elected as the party president by the Awami League council in February 1981. On May 17 of the same year, she returned to Bangladesh after a long exile.
After returning home, one of her main political responsibilities was to organize the Awami League. At that time, Bangladesh was going through military rule and political changes. Along with the movements of various political parties, the demand for the restoration of democratic governance also became important.
Sheikh Hasina was active in opposition politics under the leadership of the Awami League in the 1980s. A new chapter in Bangladeshi politics began in 1990 when the process of re-establishing parliamentary democracy began after the fall of the Ershad government.
Prime Minister for the first time in 1996Sheikh Hasina became the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh when the Awami League formed the government after the 1996 national elections. During her first term, India-Bangladesh relations and the situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts were important, as well as Bangladesh's internal politics.
In 1996, a 30-year Ganges Water Sharing Agreement was signed between Bangladesh and India. In 1997, the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord was signed. Although this agreement was signed with the aim of ending the long-standing armed conflict, there have been political differences and debates over its implementation in the subsequent years.
During this government, the trial of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's assassination also gained new momentum. After the legal obstacles to the trial of the 1975 assassination were removed, the case moved forward in the judicial process.
Opposition politics and the 2007 arrestAfter the 2001 elections, the Awami League moved to the opposition. Sheikh Hasina continued her political activities as the leader of the opposition again.
Sheikh Hasina was arrested in 2007, while a military-backed caretaker government was in power during a state of emergency. She was released in June 2008. The Awami League-led coalition won a landslide victory in the national elections in December of the same year, and Sheikh Hasina became prime minister again in January 2009.
Government and development initiatives after 2009After 2009, the government led by Sheikh Hasina ruled the country for several consecutive terms. During this time, various projects were undertaken in the power generation, communications, information technology, social security, education, health, and infrastructure sectors.
One of the government's well-known policy concepts was Digital Bangladesh. This program included various initiatives such as digitizing government services, establishing digital centers at the union level, expanding online services, and facilitating citizen services through the use of information technology.
In terms of infrastructure development, the Padma Bridge, Dhaka Metrorail, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Dhaka Elevated Expressway, and various highway and bridge projects are notable. The Padma Bridge was opened for traffic in 2022.
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is also one of the largest infrastructure and energy projects of this time. Along with these projects, Bangladesh has also undergone changes in various indicators of economic growth, exports and poverty reduction. However, at the same time, there have also been economic concerns about inflation, foreign exchange pressures, banking sector problems and employment quality.
Therefore, in assessing this period, it is not enough to look at infrastructure construction or economic growth indicators alone to get the full picture. It is also necessary to consider the project's cost, economic benefits, environmental impact, and long-term maintenance.
Digital services, education and social programsThe Digital Bangladesh program seeks to increase the use of government services and information technology. Online applications, digital government services, mobile financial services, and internet-based communication are increasingly important in daily life in Bangladesh.
In the education sector, various programs have been implemented, including free textbook distribution, stipends, support for women's education, and development of educational infrastructure. In the health sector, government programs focusing on community clinics, vaccination, and maternal and child health care have been launched and expanded.
In assessing the impact of these initiatives, it is necessary to consider government statistics as well as information from independent research and international organizations.
International relations and regional politicsSheikh Hasina's long tenure in power also saw several important developments in Bangladesh's foreign policy. Notable among these were India-Bangladesh relations, border management, climate change, regional cooperation, and the Rohingya crisis.
The long-standing enclave issue was resolved through the implementation of the Land Boundary Agreement between Bangladesh and India in 2015. This created an opportunity to remove long-standing uncertainty about the citizenship and administrative status of people living in border enclaves.
Climate change is also an important international issue for Bangladesh. Bangladesh is facing risks such as sea level rise, cyclones, floods, river erosion and salinity. For this reason, Bangladesh has been active in international discussions on climate finance and adaptation.
Rohingya crisisFollowing violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state in 2017, a large number of Rohingya took refuge in Bangladesh. One of the world's largest refugee settlements was established in Cox's Bazar. Later, housing and infrastructure for the Rohingya was also built in Bhasan Char.
The Rohingya crisis has created humanitarian, economic, environmental and security challenges for Bangladesh. Safe and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar has been discussed at various times, but remains complex.
Political legacy and controversyWhen assessing Sheikh Hasina's political legacy, it is necessary to simultaneously consider the policies and achievements of her government and the controversies surrounding the political system.
Supporters highlight the infrastructure development, power generation, digital services, economic growth, social programs, and international diplomacy of her government. On the other hand, opposition political parties, human rights organizations, and various international observers have expressed concerns at various times about elections, freedom of expression, political rights, opposition activities, and the human rights situation.
There was widespread political debate surrounding the national elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024 regarding participation, competition, and the electoral environment. The main opposition party, BNP, did not participate in the January 2024 elections. Sheikh Hasina became Prime Minister again after the elections.
However, this chapter ended within a few months. The protests that began as a quota reform movement in July-August 2024 quickly turned into an anti-government movement. On 5 August 2024, Sheikh Hasina resigned as Prime Minister and left Bangladesh.
This event is seen as a major turning point in the recent political history of Bangladesh. At the same time, various investigations, reports and opinions have been published on the number of deaths, the role of law enforcement, human rights violations and political accountability in the 2024 movement and violence. It is important to separately verify the time period and reliable sources when making specific claims on these issues.
Sheikh Hasina's long political journeySheikh Hasina's political life can be seen in several major stages. The first stage was her involvement in student politics and her experience of the family political environment. The second stage was the 1975 assassination and life in exile. The third stage was her return to the country in 1981, taking over the leadership of the Awami League and a long opposition politics. Then, becoming Prime Minister for the first time in 1996, joining the opposition in 2001, being arrested in 2007, and returning to power after the 2008 elections were important turning points in her political life.
She led the government of Bangladesh for a long time from 2009 to 2024. During this period, various changes took place in the infrastructure, economy, technology, and social sectors of the country. At the same time, debates intensified at home and abroad about political institutions, elections, opposition politics, and the human rights situation.
Therefore, explaining her political life only through a list of achievements or only through a list of controversies does not give a complete picture. It is more useful to understand history by looking at the period, policies, results, and political context separately.
ConclusionSheikh Hasina's life is deeply intertwined with the modern political history of Bangladesh. Starting from Tungipara in 1947, student politics, family experiences during the Liberation War of 1971, the horrific massacre of 1975, long exile, return to the country in 1981, and the long leadership of the Awami League are important chapters in her life.
After becoming Prime Minister for the first time in 1996, she joined the opposition in 2001. After becoming Prime Minister again in 2009, she led the government for a long time until 2024. During her tenure, the Padma Bridge, Metrorail, digital government services, power infrastructure, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, and various social programs have gained important places in the development discussions of Bangladesh.
At the same time, the controversies that have arisen over elections, political rights, freedom of expression, human rights, and opposition political activities are also part of her political legacy.
Her long chapter in Bangladeshi politics came to an end with the end of her prime ministerial term on August 5, 2024.
Her birthday on September 28 is therefore an occasion to look back at her personal life as well as the political history of Bangladesh over the past few decades. While there are differences of opinion about her life and political role, her lasting impact on the recent history of Bangladesh cannot be denied.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhen is Sheikh Hasina's birthday?
Sheikh Hasina was born on September 28, 1947, in Tungipara, Gopalganj. Her 79th birthday is on September 28, 2026.
When did Sheikh Hasina become the president of Awami League?
Sheikh Hasina was elected as the party president by the Awami League council in February 1981. On May 17 of the same year, she returned to Bangladesh after a long exile.
When did Sheikh Hasina first become the Prime Minister of Bangladesh?
Sheikh Hasina became the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the first time when the Awami League formed the government after the 1996 national election.
What are the notable projects of Sheikh Hasina's government?
During her various terms in government, the Padma Bridge, Dhaka Metrorail, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Dhaka Elevated Expressway, and various power and communication infrastructure projects were implemented or constructed.
What are the notable events in Sheikh Hasina's political life?
Notable events include returning to the country in 1981, assuming the leadership of the Awami League, becoming Prime Minister for the first time in 1996, joining the opposition in 2001, being arrested in 2007, winning the Awami League-led coalition in the 2008 elections, leading the government for a long time since 2009, and resigning from the post of Prime Minister and leaving the country on August 5, 2024.
What is Sheikh Hasina's political position in 2026?
The report published as of September 2026 states that Sheikh Hasina is not the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and has been in India since August 2024. New political discussions are also underway in 2026 regarding the future leadership of the Awami League.
Sheikh Hasina's political career has been intertwined with important developments in the state and politics of Bangladesh for decades. Leadership of the Awami League, opposition politics, serving multiple terms as Prime Minister, various economic and infrastructural initiatives, and at the same time, debates on elections, political rights, and human rights are important parts of her political career.
To understand her life, one must look at her personal history and the political changes in Bangladesh side by side. The 1975 family massacre, long exile, return to the country in 1981, taking over the leadership of the Awami League, becoming the Prime Minister for the first time in 1996, and leading the government for a long time since 2009 are notable chapters in her political journey. Her prime ministerial term ends in August 2024.
September 28th is also Sheikh Hasina's birthday.
Sheikh Hasina was born on 28 September 1947 in Tungipara, Gopalganj. She is the eldest of the five children of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Fazilatunnesa Mujib. Her childhood was spent at a time when the questions of East Bengal's political identity, language rights, autonomy and later independence were becoming increasingly important.
Her family was politically active. The political situation also influenced the family's life due to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's long political struggle and imprisonment. This family environment later became important in the development of Sheikh Hasina's own political identity.
Her involvement with student politics began in the 1960s. She was elected vice-president of the student council of Eden Women's College and later was also involved in student politics at Dhaka University. Her political career essentially began during this period.
Childhood, family and educationTungipara and Dhaka are particularly associated with Sheikh Hasina's childhood. Her adolescence and student life were spent amidst the political turmoil of the Pakistan era. The political environment following the Language Movement, the Six-Point Movement, and the movement centered around the demand for autonomy profoundly influenced the political reality of her generation.
During her student life, she was involved in the activities of the Awami League student organization. Her political activism became more visible during the Six-Point Movement of 1966. Later, she was also involved in student politics while studying at Dhaka University. According to a biographical report by bdnews24, she graduated from Dhaka University in 1973.
Sheikh Hasina married nuclear scientist M.A. Wazed Mia in 1968. They have two children, Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Saima Wazed.
The Liberation War of 1971 and the Tragedy of 1975Sheikh Hasina was staying with her family in Dhaka during the 1971 Liberation War and was placed under house arrest along with some of her family members. After the independence of Bangladesh, a new chapter began in her political and family life.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family were assassinated on August 15, 1975. Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana survived as they were out of the country at the time. The assassination radically changed her personal life and had a lasting impact on her later political career.
She then spent a few years abroad. During this time, she was unable to return home, and a new reality emerged regarding the leadership of the Awami League.
Return to the country in 1981Sheikh Hasina was elected as the party president by the Awami League council in February 1981. On May 17 of the same year, she returned to Bangladesh after a long exile.
After returning home, one of her main political responsibilities was to organize the Awami League. At that time, Bangladesh was going through military rule and political changes. Along with the movements of various political parties, the demand for the restoration of democratic governance also became important.
Sheikh Hasina was active in opposition politics under the leadership of the Awami League in the 1980s. A new chapter in Bangladeshi politics began in 1990 when the process of re-establishing parliamentary democracy began after the fall of the Ershad government.
Prime Minister for the first time in 1996Sheikh Hasina became the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh when the Awami League formed the government after the 1996 national elections. During her first term, India-Bangladesh relations and the situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts were important, as well as Bangladesh's internal politics.
In 1996, a 30-year Ganges Water Sharing Agreement was signed between Bangladesh and India. In 1997, the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord was signed. Although this agreement was signed with the aim of ending the long-standing armed conflict, there have been political differences and debates over its implementation in the subsequent years.
During this government, the trial of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's assassination also gained new momentum. After the legal obstacles to the trial of the 1975 assassination were removed, the case moved forward in the judicial process.
Opposition politics and the 2007 arrestAfter the 2001 elections, the Awami League moved to the opposition. Sheikh Hasina continued her political activities as the leader of the opposition again.
Sheikh Hasina was arrested in 2007, while a military-backed caretaker government was in power during a state of emergency. She was released in June 2008. The Awami League-led coalition won a landslide victory in the national elections in December of the same year, and Sheikh Hasina became prime minister again in January 2009.
Government and development initiatives after 2009After 2009, the government led by Sheikh Hasina ruled the country for several consecutive terms. During this time, various projects were undertaken in the power generation, communications, information technology, social security, education, health, and infrastructure sectors.
One of the government's well-known policy concepts was Digital Bangladesh. This program included various initiatives such as digitizing government services, establishing digital centers at the union level, expanding online services, and facilitating citizen services through the use of information technology.
In terms of infrastructure development, the Padma Bridge, Dhaka Metrorail, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Dhaka Elevated Expressway, and various highway and bridge projects are notable. The Padma Bridge was opened for traffic in 2022.
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is also one of the largest infrastructure and energy projects of this time. Along with these projects, Bangladesh has also undergone changes in various indicators of economic growth, exports and poverty reduction. However, at the same time, there have also been economic concerns about inflation, foreign exchange pressures, banking sector problems and employment quality.
Therefore, in assessing this period, it is not enough to look at infrastructure construction or economic growth indicators alone to get the full picture. It is also necessary to consider the project's cost, economic benefits, environmental impact, and long-term maintenance.
Digital services, education and social programsThe Digital Bangladesh program seeks to increase the use of government services and information technology. Online applications, digital government services, mobile financial services, and internet-based communication are increasingly important in daily life in Bangladesh.
In the education sector, various programs have been implemented, including free textbook distribution, stipends, support for women's education, and development of educational infrastructure. In the health sector, government programs focusing on community clinics, vaccination, and maternal and child health care have been launched and expanded.
In assessing the impact of these initiatives, it is necessary to consider government statistics as well as information from independent research and international organizations.
International relations and regional politicsSheikh Hasina's long tenure in power also saw several important developments in Bangladesh's foreign policy. Notable among these were India-Bangladesh relations, border management, climate change, regional cooperation, and the Rohingya crisis.
The long-standing enclave issue was resolved through the implementation of the Land Boundary Agreement between Bangladesh and India in 2015. This created an opportunity to remove long-standing uncertainty about the citizenship and administrative status of people living in border enclaves.
Climate change is also an important international issue for Bangladesh. Bangladesh is facing risks such as sea level rise, cyclones, floods, river erosion and salinity. For this reason, Bangladesh has been active in international discussions on climate finance and adaptation.
Rohingya crisisFollowing violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state in 2017, a large number of Rohingya took refuge in Bangladesh. One of the world's largest refugee settlements was established in Cox's Bazar. Later, housing and infrastructure for the Rohingya was also built in Bhasan Char.
The Rohingya crisis has created humanitarian, economic, environmental and security challenges for Bangladesh. Safe and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar has been discussed at various times, but remains complex.
Political legacy and controversyWhen assessing Sheikh Hasina's political legacy, it is necessary to simultaneously consider the policies and achievements of her government and the controversies surrounding the political system.
Supporters highlight the infrastructure development, power generation, digital services, economic growth, social programs, and international diplomacy of her government. On the other hand, opposition political parties, human rights organizations, and various international observers have expressed concerns at various times about elections, freedom of expression, political rights, opposition activities, and the human rights situation.
There was widespread political debate surrounding the national elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024 regarding participation, competition, and the electoral environment. The main opposition party, BNP, did not participate in the January 2024 elections. Sheikh Hasina became Prime Minister again after the elections.
However, this chapter ended within a few months. The protests that began as a quota reform movement in July-August 2024 quickly turned into an anti-government movement. On 5 August 2024, Sheikh Hasina resigned as Prime Minister and left Bangladesh.
This event is seen as a major turning point in the recent political history of Bangladesh. At the same time, various investigations, reports and opinions have been published on the number of deaths, the role of law enforcement, human rights violations and political accountability in the 2024 movement and violence. It is important to separately verify the time period and reliable sources when making specific claims on these issues.
Sheikh Hasina's long political journeySheikh Hasina's political life can be seen in several major stages. The first stage was her involvement in student politics and her experience of the family political environment. The second stage was the 1975 assassination and life in exile. The third stage was her return to the country in 1981, taking over the leadership of the Awami League and a long opposition politics. Then, becoming Prime Minister for the first time in 1996, joining the opposition in 2001, being arrested in 2007, and returning to power after the 2008 elections were important turning points in her political life.
She led the government of Bangladesh for a long time from 2009 to 2024. During this period, various changes took place in the infrastructure, economy, technology, and social sectors of the country. At the same time, debates intensified at home and abroad about political institutions, elections, opposition politics, and the human rights situation.
Therefore, explaining her political life only through a list of achievements or only through a list of controversies does not give a complete picture. It is more useful to understand history by looking at the period, policies, results, and political context separately.
ConclusionSheikh Hasina's life is deeply intertwined with the modern political history of Bangladesh. Starting from Tungipara in 1947, student politics, family experiences during the Liberation War of 1971, the horrific massacre of 1975, long exile, return to the country in 1981, and the long leadership of the Awami League are important chapters in her life.
After becoming Prime Minister for the first time in 1996, she joined the opposition in 2001. After becoming Prime Minister again in 2009, she led the government for a long time until 2024. During her tenure, the Padma Bridge, Metrorail, digital government services, power infrastructure, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, and various social programs have gained important places in the development discussions of Bangladesh.
At the same time, the controversies that have arisen over elections, political rights, freedom of expression, human rights, and opposition political activities are also part of her political legacy.
Her long chapter in Bangladeshi politics came to an end with the end of her prime ministerial term on August 5, 2024.
Her birthday on September 28 is therefore an occasion to look back at her personal life as well as the political history of Bangladesh over the past few decades. While there are differences of opinion about her life and political role, her lasting impact on the recent history of Bangladesh cannot be denied.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhen is Sheikh Hasina's birthday?
Sheikh Hasina was born on September 28, 1947, in Tungipara, Gopalganj. Her 79th birthday is on September 28, 2026.
When did Sheikh Hasina become the president of Awami League?
Sheikh Hasina was elected as the party president by the Awami League council in February 1981. On May 17 of the same year, she returned to Bangladesh after a long exile.
When did Sheikh Hasina first become the Prime Minister of Bangladesh?
Sheikh Hasina became the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the first time when the Awami League formed the government after the 1996 national election.
What are the notable projects of Sheikh Hasina's government?
During her various terms in government, the Padma Bridge, Dhaka Metrorail, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Dhaka Elevated Expressway, and various power and communication infrastructure projects were implemented or constructed.
What are the notable events in Sheikh Hasina's political life?
Notable events include returning to the country in 1981, assuming the leadership of the Awami League, becoming Prime Minister for the first time in 1996, joining the opposition in 2001, being arrested in 2007, winning the Awami League-led coalition in the 2008 elections, leading the government for a long time since 2009, and resigning from the post of Prime Minister and leaving the country on August 5, 2024.
What is Sheikh Hasina's political position in 2026?
The report published as of September 2026 states that Sheikh Hasina is not the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and has been in India since August 2024. New political discussions are also underway in 2026 regarding the future leadership of the Awami League.
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