35 Facts About Sheikh Hasina

Early Life and Family Background

Sheikh Hasina's journey began in a small village in East Bengal. Her family background played a significant role in shaping her future.

1. Sheikh Hasina was born on September 28, 1947, in Tungipara, East Bengal (now Bangladesh).
2. She is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the principal orchestrator of Bangladesh's separation from Pakistan in 1971.
3. Her mother, Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib, was a strong supporter of her husband's political activities.
4. Hasina's family has Iraqi Arab ancestry through both her paternal and maternal sides, tracing back to Muslim preacher Sheikh Abdul Awal Darwish of Baghdad.

Education

Education played a crucial role in Hasina's early years, setting the foundation for her future leadership.

5. Hasina attended primary school in Tungipara and later moved to Dhaka, where she attended the Azimpur Girls' School and Begum Badrunnesa Girls' College.
6. She enrolled in Eden College for a bachelor's degree and was elected as the Vice President of the Students Union between 1966 and 1967.
7. She graduated in 1973 with a degree in Bengali literature from Dhaka University.

Marriage and Personal Life

Her personal life, including her marriage, has been intertwined with her political journey.

8. In 1967, Hasina married M. A. Wazed Miah, a Bengali nuclear scientist with a doctorate in physics from Durham.
9. The couple has one son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who is also involved in politics and has been a key advisor to his mother during her tenure.

Political Involvement

Hasina's political journey began early and was deeply influenced by her family's legacy.

10. Hasina was active in the Students League and served as the general secretary of the women's unit in Rokeya Hall, a women's dormitory at Dhaka University.
11. Her father's imprisonment by the Pakistani government further politicized her, and she became his political liaison during his imprisonment.

Exile and Return

The tragic events of 1975 forced Hasina into exile, but she eventually returned to lead her nation.

12. In 1975, Hasina's entire family except for her husband, children, and sister Sheikh Rehana was murdered during the Bangladeshi coup d'état.
13. Hasina and her family were visiting Europe at the time and took refuge in the Bangladeshi ambassador to West Germany's house before being offered political asylum by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of India.
14. They lived in exile in New Delhi for six years, during which time Hasina was barred from entering Bangladesh by the military government of Ziaur Rahman.

Return to Politics

Her return to Bangladesh marked the beginning of a new chapter in her political career.

15. After being elected President of the Awami League on February 16, 1981, Hasina returned to Bangladesh on May 17, 1981, and received a welcome from thousands of Awami League supporters.

Leadership in the Awami League

Hasina's leadership in the Awami League has been pivotal in shaping the party's direction and policies.

16. Hasina has been a key figure in the Awami League, the largest political organization in Bangladesh.
17. She has led the party through various challenges and has been instrumental in shaping its policies.

Terms as Prime Minister

Hasina's multiple terms as Prime Minister have been marked by significant achievements and challenges.

18. Hasina was sworn in as Prime Minister of Bangladesh in January 1996. During her first term, she focused on economic development and social welfare programs.
19. Her second term, starting in 2009, was marked by significant economic growth and development.
20. During her third term, Hasina continued to focus on economic development and social welfare.
21. Her fourth term was marked by further economic growth and development.

Vision 2021 and Vision 2041

Hasina's visionary plans aim to transform Bangladesh into a developed nation.

22. Hasina has been instrumental in shaping Bangladesh's development trajectory through her Vision 2021 and Vision 2041 initiatives.
23. These plans aim to make Bangladesh a middle-income nation by 2021 and a developed nation by 2041, respectively.

Digital Bangladesh

The Digital Bangladesh initiative has been a cornerstone of Hasina's government.

24. Hasina's government has been committed to transforming Bangladesh into a digital nation.
25. The Digital Bangladesh initiative aims to use technology to improve governance, education, and healthcare services.

Economic Growth

Under Hasina's leadership, Bangladesh has achieved remarkable economic growth.

26. The country's GDP growth rate has consistently been above 7%, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
27. The country has also made significant progress in terms of poverty reduction, with the poverty rate decreasing from 31.5% in 2000 to 15.6% in 2020.

Social Welfare Programs

Hasina's government has implemented several policies aimed at reducing poverty and improving living standards.

28. The government has introduced programs such as the Food Security Program and the Social Safety Net Program to provide assistance to the poor and vulnerable sections of society.

Healthcare and Education Development

Significant progress has been made in healthcare and education under Hasina's leadership.

29. The government has introduced several initiatives aimed at improving healthcare services, including the expansion of public healthcare facilities and the introduction of new healthcare programs.
30. The country has also made significant progress in terms of literacy rates, with the literacy rate increasing from 44% in 2000 to 74% in 2020.

Women's and Children's Rights

Hasina has been a long-time proponent of women's and children's rights.

31. Her government has introduced several initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of women and children.
32. The country has also made significant progress in terms of women's empowerment, with women now holding key positions in government and other sectors.

Rohingya Crisis

Hasina played a crucial role in managing the Rohingya crisis.

33. In 2017, Bangladesh accepted over one million forcibly-displaced persons from Myanmar and provided them with safe haven.
34. The government has also introduced several initiatives aimed at supporting the Rohingya refugees, including the provision of food, shelter, and healthcare services.

International Recognition

Hasina has received international recognition for her leadership and contributions to Bangladesh's development.

35. She has been praised by international organizations and leaders for her commitment to democracy, human rights, and economic development.

Sheikh Hasina's Impact on Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina's journey from a young student leader to a five-term Prime Minister is nothing short of remarkable. Her leadership has transformed Bangladesh, driving economic growth, reducing poverty, and improving healthcare and education. Hasina's commitment to democracy and human rights has earned her international recognition. Despite facing significant challenges, including political unrest and personal tragedy, she has remained steadfast in her vision for a prosperous Bangladesh. Her initiatives like Vision 2021 and Digital Bangladesh have set the country on a path toward becoming a developed nation. Even after her resignation in 2023, her legacy continues to inspire. Sheikh Hasina's story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the power of visionary leadership. Her impact on Bangladesh will be felt for generations to come.