Sheikh Hasina Wazed, Bangladesh’s longest-serving prime minister, began her political journey as a pro-democracy figure but fled to India in August 2024 following mass protests against her government after 15 years in power. She was ousted amid escalating violence and nationwide unrest led by student protests. On November 17, 2024, a tribunal in Dhaka convicted Hasina of crimes against humanity for ordering a crackdown on demonstrators from July 15 to August 5, resulting in approximately 1,400 deaths, mainly due to security forces’ actions. Hasina denied the charges.
The period leading up to Hasina’s ousting saw significant unrest, with protests initially sparked by demands to eliminate civil service job quotas. This expanded into broader anti-government sentiment as Hasina’s administration faced allegations of using violent measures to suppress dissent. Notably, a leaked audio recording suggested that she instructed security forces to use lethal measures against protesters, a claim she has denied. The most severe police violence occurred on August 5, 2024, when over 50 individuals were reported killed.
Hasina has been criticized for her authoritarian governance style, including politically motivated arrests and human rights abuses. Following a controversial election in January 2024, where her party was accused of a sham process, she faced considerable opposition and protests, leading to her eventual downfall.
Sheikh Hasina, born into a politically influential family, first assumed office in 1996 and returned to power in 2009. Under her leadership, Bangladesh experienced notable economic advancements, credited largely to the burgeoning garment industry and various development projects. However, widespread allegations of corruption, repression of dissent, and mishandling of the economy have also marred her legacy. With her party banned from future elections, questions arise regarding the trajectory of Bangladeshi politics in the wake of her regime’s end.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg3ee303yxpo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss