Bangladesh's longest-serving prime minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed began her political career as a pro-democracy icon but fled mass protests against her rule in August 2024 after 15 years in power. Since then, Hasina has been in self-imposed exile in India, where she fled after being deposed by a student-led uprising that spiraled into nationwide unrest.
On 17 November, a special tribunal in Dhaka sentenced her to death after convicting her of crimes against humanity. It was found that Hasina had ordered a deadly crackdown on protesters between 15 July and 5 August 2024. She denied all charges against her. Up to 1,400 people were killed during the weeks of protests leading up to her ousting, most by gunfire from security forces, as confirmed by UN human rights investigators.
The protests resulted in an unexpected end to the reign of Hasina, who had ruled Bangladesh for more than 20 years and was credited with overseeing the country's economic progress. However, in recent years, she faced accusations of becoming increasingly autocratic and suppressing opposition.
In January 2024, Hasina won an unprecedented fourth term amid allegations of electoral fraud, which led to widespread protests demanding her resignation. During these protests, she was accused of commanding police to use lethal force against protestors, culminating in several violent clashes.
Hasina's political journey began in a politically charged atmosphere, having been born to a Muslim family in 1947, with her father being Bangladesh's 'Father of the Nation.' She first rose to prominence in pro-democracy movements in the 1980s and became a national icon before first being elected in 1996.
Her tenure has seen substantial economic growth, but also significant controversies, including massive human rights violations, a rise in political oppression, and allegations of compromised judicial processes against her opponents.
The story of Sheikh Hasina is a complex narrative of ambition, leadership, and stark contradictions, offering insights into the broader challenges facing democracy in South Asia.