Skip to main content

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

Post a Comment

TRENDING

Can free‑living Indian street dogs teach us about how to care for pet dogs?

By Daniel Ramp, Kapil Vishwas Patwardhan, Rosalie Chapple  We give our pet dogs shelter, veterinary care, affection, training and play. We decide when they eat, where they sleep, when they go outside, who they meet, and how they move through the world.
Post a Comment
»

Grain vs. gasoline: How the global biofuel boom threatens India’s food and water security

By Rajiv Shah  A new report published by the international research and advocacy organization GRAIN has warned that the global resurgence of biofuels is triggering a dangerous dynamic of “more fuel, less food, more land grabs.” Driven by intersecting energy security concerns, geopolitical tensions, and aggressive decarbonization mandates, the expanding agrofuel industry is increasingly pitting corporate energy interests against global food security and indigenous land rights. 
Post a Comment
»

Sikkim governor row: ALIFA asks centre to explain hurried appointment in Ankita Bhandari case

By A Representative   The All-India Feminist Alliance (ALIFA) on Saturday expressed “immense pain and outrage” that even after four years and a national uproar, justice has not been fully delivered in the Ankita Bhandari murder case and that a ruling party politician facing allegations has been “gifted a high-ranking constitutional office.” In a statement, ALIFA extended “unflinching solidarity” to Ankita’s parents, who it said are “fighting for justice on the streets of Delhi,” and demanded that pending the CBI inquiry and judicial decision, the appointment of BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam as Sikkim’s Governor be subject to “immediate presidential review.”
Post a Comment
»