Introduction
Sheikh Hasina Wazed Biography: Sheikh Hasina Wazed, born in 1947, stands as an influential political figure and the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Her leadership as the head of the Awami League has earned her the endearing title of the “daughter of the nation.” Sheikh Hasina’s political journey has been shaped by personal tragedies, remarkable triumphs, and a strong determination to steer her country toward progress and development. Over several decades in politics, she has become a symbol of resilience and hope for Bangladesh and holds the distinction of being the world’s longest-serving female head of government.
Early Life and Political Beginnings
Sheikh Hasina was born on September 28, 1947, in Tungipara, Gopalganj District, which is now part of Bangladesh. Raised in a politically charged atmosphere, she was the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a revered politician and the founding father of Bangladesh. From an early age, she imbibed her father’s vision of democracy, justice, and service to the people.
Tragedy struck the nation and Sheikh Hasina’s life in 1975 when her father and most of her family members were assassinated in a military coup. This cataclysmic event transformed her into a leader overnight as she took on the responsibility of leading the Awami League from exile in India. Despite facing personal threats and enduring an assassination attempt in 1981, she emerged as a formidable advocate for democracy and social justice.
Quick Information
Real Name: Sheikh Hasina Wazed
Nickname: Sheikh Hasina / Hasu
Date of Birth: 28 September 1947
Age: 76 Years (in 2023)
Birth Place: Tungipara, Gopalganj District, East Pakistan (Now, in Bangladesh)
Height: 5 ft. 4 inch / 163 cm.
Weight: 62 Kg. / 137 Lbs.
Nationality: Bangladeshi
Religion: Islam
Caste: Sunni
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Marital Status: Married
Husband/Spouse: Late- M.A. Wazed Miah (Marriedon1968, Died 2009, a Nuclear Scientist)
Parents:
- Father – Mujibur Rahman (politician)
- Mother – Fazilatunnesa Mujib
Children
- Son- Sajeeb Wazed Joy (Businessman, Politician)
- Daughter- Saima Wazed Hossain (Autism Activist)
Hometown: Tungipara Upazila, Bangladesh
School: Ajimpur Girls’ School
College/University:
Academic Qualification: Graduation
Profession: Politician
Political Party: Bangladesh Awami League
Other political Affiliations: Grand Alliance (2008- Present)
Hobbies: Cooking, Reading
Net Worth: $1 billion
Contact Number: 9127485 (Office)
Email: psecy@pmo.gov.bd (Official)
Social Contacts:
- Website
- Facebook– N/A
- Twitter– N/A
Return to Bangladesh and Rise to Power
In 1981, Sheikh Hasina returned to Bangladesh with the determination to rebuild the Awami League and revitalize its influence. With resilience and unwavering commitment, she worked tirelessly to unite her supporters and strengthen the party’s presence across the nation. Her efforts bore fruit, and she was elected as a Member of Parliament in 1986.
During the military rule of General Ershad, Sheikh Hasina served as the opposition leader and played a crucial role in leading protests, strikes, and campaigns to demand democratic reforms. Her ability to mobilize the masses culminated in a historic mass uprising in 1990, which eventually led to the resignation of General Ershad.
First Term as Prime Minister
The year 1991 marked a turning point in Sheikh Hasina’s political journey when the Awami League, under her leadership, secured a majority in the parliamentary elections. She assumed office as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the first time, inheriting a nation grappling with numerous challenges, including widespread poverty and economic instability.
During her first term, Sheikh Hasina’s administration implemented a range of economic reforms and social welfare programs aimed at alleviating poverty and improving the lives of the underprivileged. Emphasizing education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, her government sought to lay the foundation for sustainable progress. Her tenure witnessed significant achievements, including a decline in the poverty rate and advancements in sectors such as agriculture and healthcare. However, she also faced criticism and challenges from opposition parties and allegations of corruption within the government.
Challenges and the Road to Recovery
Despite her initial successes, Sheikh Hasina’s government faced defeat in the 1996 elections. Undeterred by the setback, she embarked on a mission to rebuild the Awami League and regain the trust of the people. Demonstrating her commitment to democratic principles, she advocated for transparency, accountability, and electoral reforms within the political system.
In the 2008 elections, the Awami League, under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, achieved a resounding victory, and she assumed office as the Prime Minister for the second time. With renewed vigor, she set out to transform Bangladesh into a modern and progressive nation.
Development and Progress Under Sheikh Hasina’s Leadership
Since her return to power in 2009, Sheikh Hasina’s government has remained steadfast in its commitment to progress and development. Bangladesh has witnessed remarkable economic growth under her leadership, with advancements in various sectors such as agriculture, industry, and healthcare. The implementation of social welfare programs, including microfinance and education stipends, has uplifted millions of Bangladeshis, empowering them to break free from the shackles of poverty.
Women’s empowerment has been a central focus of Sheikh Hasina’s agenda, recognizing the vital role of women in nation-building. Bangladesh has made significant strides in promoting gender equality and increasing women’s participation in various fields, including politics, education, and the workforce.
The development of infrastructure has been another crucial area of focus under Sheikh Hasina’s governance. Mega projects have been undertaken to modernize transportation networks, including roads, bridges, and railway systems. The ambitious Padma Bridge project, a dream of the nation, stands as an iconic symbol of her vision for the country’s future.
Moreover, the Sheikh Hasina-led government has prioritized investments in the energy sector to meet the growing demands of the population. Initiatives in renewable energy, such as solar power, have been championed to ensure sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources.
The education sector has witnessed a comprehensive overhaul, with increased investments in schools, colleges, and universities. Scholarships and stipends have been introduced to encourage students from all economic backgrounds to pursue higher education. Furthermore, vocational training programs have been established to equip the youth with the necessary skills for employment opportunities.
International Contributions and Recognition
Sheikh Hasina’s contributions extend beyond the borders of Bangladesh. As a passionate advocate for climate change mitigation and sustainable development, she has garnered global recognition for her efforts. She has emphasized the need for industrialized nations to take responsibility for their historical emissions and urged them to support developing countries in their pursuit of sustainable development.
In 2015, the United Nations honored Sheikh Hasina with the prestigious Champions of the Earth Award, acknowledging her commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. This recognition further solidified her status as a prominent global leader and an inspiration for leaders worldwide.
Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
Sheikh Hasina’s foreign policy approach has been centered on enhancing bilateral and multilateral relations with countries around the world. She has emphasized the importance of mutually beneficial partnerships to drive economic growth, trade, and investment.
Sheikh Hasina has been an active participant in various global forums and summits, advocating for the interests of Bangladesh and developing nations. Her presence at international conferences has provided Bangladesh with a platform to voice its concerns on issues such as climate change, poverty reduction, and trade barriers.
Criticism and Challenges
While Sheikh Hasina’s government has achieved significant milestones, it has also faced criticism and challenges. Some opposition parties and human rights organizations have raised concerns about issues such as democratic backsliding, human rights abuses, and curbs on press freedom. Reports of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings have drawn international attention and condemnation.
Critics argue that the government’s actions against political opponents and the media have led to a shrinking space for dissent and a weakening of democratic institutions. Sheikh Hasina’s administration needs to address these concerns and ensure that democratic values are upheld in Bangladesh.
Furthermore, the issue of corruption remains a challenge for the nation. While the government has taken steps to combat corruption, there is a need for continuous efforts to strengthen institutions and ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
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