Sheikh Hasina: Examining the legacy and challenges of the world’s longest-serving female head of government

By Bharat Dogra

Leadership, especially in challenging circumstances, often invites scrutiny and debate. Sheikh Hasina, the longest-serving female head of government, has led Bangladesh for nearly two decades, overseeing substantial improvements in human development indicators. However, her tenure has also faced significant criticism from sections of the media, particularly regarding her governance style and recent political developments.

Bangladesh presents a unique example of women in leadership, with female politicians having held the highest office for a substantial portion of the country’s 53-year history. Sheikh Hasina stands out as the longest-serving among them, surpassing leaders such as Indira Gandhi of India, Angela Merkel of Germany, and Vigdís Finnbogadóttir of Iceland.

Under Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh made significant strides in several key areas, including economic growth, healthcare, and literacy. Initiatives such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord and providing refuge to nearly a million Rohingya refugees garnered international recognition. Her government also received awards for its efforts in women’s empowerment and education.

Despite these achievements, criticisms of Hasina's tenure have intensified, particularly regarding governance practices and political opposition. Some analysts argue that political suppression and electoral challenges have raised concerns about democracy and political inclusivity in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, others believe that her leadership has been misrepresented in international discourse, with external geopolitical interests influencing media narratives.

Historical comparisons between Bangladesh and Pakistan highlight the country's progress in human development. Despite facing significant challenges, Bangladesh has outperformed Pakistan in indicators such as female literacy and infant mortality. These improvements, achieved despite high population density and economic limitations, underscore the impact of long-term governance strategies.

Hasina’s political journey has been marked by personal tragedies and resilience. The assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and other family members in 1975 shaped her early years in exile. Upon returning to Bangladesh, she assumed leadership of the Awami League and navigated a complex political landscape, including multiple assassination attempts and imprisonment.

Recent developments, including her political exile, charges against her, and restrictions on her party, have raised concerns about Bangladesh’s political stability. Some observers attribute these events to internal political dynamics, while others point to external influences and shifting geopolitical interests.

As Bangladesh moves forward, an objective assessment of Sheikh Hasina’s legacy—acknowledging both achievements and challenges—remains crucial. A balanced discourse, free from political bias, can help foster informed dialogue on the country’s future path toward democracy, stability, and development.

---

The writer is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Protecting Earth for Children, Planet in Peril, A Day in 2071, and Man over Machine—A Path to Peace

Comments

Whither space for the marginalised in Kerala's privately-driven townships after landslides?

By Ipshita Basu, Sudheesh R.C. In the early hours of July 30 2024, a landslide in the Wayanad district of Kerala state, India, killed 400 people. The Punjirimattom, Mundakkai, Vellarimala and Chooralmala villages in the Western Ghats mountain range turned into a dystopian rubble of uprooted trees and debris.

From algorithms to exploitation: New report exposes plight of India's gig workers

By Jag Jivan The recent report, "State of Finance in India Report 2024-25," released by a coalition including the Centre for Financial Accountability, Focus on the Global South, and other organizations, paints a stark picture of India's burgeoning digital economy, particularly highlighting the exploitation faced by gig workers on platform-based services.

Gig workers hold online strike on republic day; nationwide protests planned on February 3

By A Representative Gig and platform service workers across the country observed a nationwide online strike on Republic Day, responding to a call given by the Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) to protest what it described as exploitation, insecurity and denial of basic worker rights in the platform economy. The union said women gig workers led the January 26 action by switching off their work apps as a mark of protest.

'Condonation of war crimes against women and children’: IPSN on Trump’s Gaza Board

By A Representative The India-Palestine Solidarity Network (IPSN) has strongly condemned the announcement of a proposed “Board of Peace” for Gaza and Palestine by former US President Donald J. Trump, calling it an initiative that “condones war crimes against children and women” and “rubs salt in Palestinian wounds.”

India’s road to sustainability: Why alternative fuels matter beyond electric vehicles

By Suyash Gupta* India’s worsening air quality makes the shift towards clean mobility urgent. However, while electric vehicles (EVs) are central to India’s strategy, they alone cannot address the country’s diverse pollution and energy challenges.

With infant mortality rate of 5, better than US, guarantee to live is 'alive' in Kerala

By Nabil Abdul Majeed, Nitheesh Narayanan In 1945, two years prior to India's independence, the current Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, was born into a working-class family in northern Kerala. He was his mother’s fourteenth child; of the thirteen siblings born before him, only two survived. His mother was an agricultural labourer and his father a toddy tapper. They belonged to a downtrodden caste, deemed untouchable under the Indian caste system.

Jayanthi Natarajan "never stood by tribals' rights" in MNC Vedanta's move to mine Niyamigiri Hills in Odisha

By A Representative The Odisha Chapter of the Campaign for Survival and Dignity (CSD), which played a vital role in the struggle for the enactment of historic Forest Rights Act, 2006 has blamed former Union environment minister Jaynaynthi Natarjan for failing to play any vital role to defend the tribals' rights in the forest areas during her tenure under the former UPA government. Countering her recent statement that she rejected environmental clearance to Vendanta, the top UK-based NMC, despite tremendous pressure from her colleagues in Cabinet and huge criticism from industry, and the claim that her decision was “upheld by the Supreme Court”, the CSD said this is simply not true, and actually she "disrespected" FRA.

Stands 'exposed': Cavalier attitude towards rushed construction of Char Dham project

By Bharat Dogra* The nation heaved a big sigh of relief when the 41 workers trapped in the under-construction Silkyara-Barkot tunnel (Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand) were finally rescued on November 28 after a 17-day rescue effort. All those involved in the rescue effort deserve a big thanks of the entire country. The government deserves appreciation for providing all-round support.

Over 40% of gig workers earn below ₹15,000 a month: Economic Survey

By A Representative The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, while reviewing the Economic Survey in Parliament on Tuesday, highlighted the rapid growth of gig and platform workers in India. According to the Survey, the number of gig workers has increased from 7.7 million to around 12 million, marking a growth of about 55 percent. Their share in the overall workforce is projected to rise from 2 percent to 6.7 percent, with gig workers expected to contribute approximately ₹2.35 lakh crore to the GDP by 2030. The Survey also noted that over 40 percent of gig workers earn less than ₹15,000 per month.

Search This Blog