Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigns and flees the country following weeks of student-led protests and deadly unrest, marking a dramatic end to her two-decade rule

Sheikh Hasina Wazed, Bangladesh’s longest-serving Prime Minister, has abruptly resigned and fled the country amidst escalating student-led protests that turned into widespread and deadly unrest. On Monday, the 76-year-old Hasina departed from Dhaka in a helicopter, heading to India as thousands of protesters stormed her official residence in the capital. Her sudden departure marks a dramatic conclusion to a political career that spanned over two decades.

Hasina’s tenure began in 2009, and she has since been credited with steering Bangladesh towards significant economic progress. Under her leadership, the country transformed from one of the world’s poorest to one of South Asia’s fastest-growing economies, even surpassing neighbouring India in growth metrics. Her administration’s achievements include substantial poverty reduction, with over 25 million people lifted out of poverty over the past two decades. The country’s garment industry, a major export driver, has flourished, and massive infrastructure projects, such as the $2.9 billion Padma bridge, underscore her government’s development efforts.

However, Hasina’s time in office has been marred by allegations of autocracy and human rights abuses. Despite her early image as a pro-democracy icon, Hasina’s rule has increasingly been characterized by repressive measures against political opponents and dissenters. Her political ascent began with a strong pro-democracy stance, gaining prominence during the military rule of General Hussain Muhammed Ershad in the 1980s and 1990s. She first came to power in 1996, but her tenure saw controversies, including allegations of corruption and undue influence over India.

Hasina’s political career has been deeply intertwined with her father’s legacy. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, her father, was Bangladesh’s “Father of the Nation,” leading the country to independence in 1971. Following his assassination in 1975, Hasina lived in exile before returning to lead the Awami League in 1981. Her leadership during periods of political turmoil, including her initial victory in 1996 and subsequent loss to Begum Khaleda Zia in 2001, highlighted her resilience and strategic acumen.

The controversy surrounding her leadership has intensified in recent years. Hasina’s government faced severe criticism for the violent suppression of protests and accusations of electoral fraud. The unrest began with student demands to abolish quotas in civil service jobs but expanded into a broader anti-government movement. In response, the government employed violent tactics, resulting in over 200 deaths and numerous injuries. Critics argue that Hasina’s response exacerbated the country’s economic challenges, including skyrocketing inflation and a significant drop in foreign exchange reserves.

Rights groups have documented at least 600 cases of enforced disappearances and numerous instances of extrajudicial killings since Hasina’s return to power. The US has imposed sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion, a police unit accused of severe human rights abuses. Media freedom has also been severely restricted under Hasina’s regime, with journalists facing harassment and strict laws stifling press freedom.

Amidst the unrest, Hasina’s government has been accused of judicial harassment, including the high-profile case against economist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. The arrest of opposition leaders and supporters has been seen as an attempt to weaken political opposition ahead of elections.

Sheikh Hasina’s dramatic exit marks the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics, leaving the country grappling with the fallout of her controversial leadership and the ongoing challenges of political instability and human rights concerns.

Analysis:

Political:

Sheikh Hasina’s departure underscores the volatility in Bangladeshi politics and highlights the profound impact of autocratic governance on political stability. Her two-decade rule, while marked by significant economic achievements, also exemplifies how political leaders can shift from pro-democracy champions to autocrats. The recent protests and her abrupt resignation reveal deep-seated dissatisfaction with her administration’s repressive tactics and questionable electoral practices. The political landscape in Bangladesh now faces uncertainty, with questions about how the transition of power will unfold and the potential for new leadership to address the country’s democratic deficits.

Social:

The social impact of Hasina’s tenure has been profound, with her regime’s human rights abuses and suppression of dissent shaping the public’s perception of governance. The student-led protests that escalated into nationwide unrest reflect widespread frustration with the government’s disregard for democratic norms and civil liberties. Hasina’s focus on economic development has been overshadowed by allegations of corruption and the erosion of democratic values, leading to a society increasingly polarized between economic progress and political repression.

Racial:

While Sheikh Hasina’s rule has not been overtly racial in its policies, the broader implications of her autocratic approach have affected various ethnic and social groups in Bangladesh. The repression of dissent and political opposition has had a disproportionate impact on minority communities and marginalized groups, contributing to the broader issues of human rights abuses and social inequality under her administration.

Gender:

Hasina’s leadership has also influenced gender dynamics in Bangladesh. As a female leader in a predominantly male-dominated political landscape, her approach to governance has been scrutinized not only for its effectiveness but also for its impact on women’s rights and gender equality. While her political career has paved the way for female leaders, the authoritarian measures employed during her tenure have overshadowed her contributions to gender progress, raising questions about the balance between female leadership and democratic values.

Economic:

Economically, Hasina’s tenure has been marked by significant progress, with Bangladesh emerging as a fast-growing economy in South Asia. The expansion of the garment industry and major infrastructure projects have been highlights of her economic strategy. However, the recent economic downturn, characterized by inflation and declining foreign reserves, has been attributed to mismanagement and corruption within her administration. The economic benefits achieved under her rule have been overshadowed by the broader impact of political instability and governance issues, which have contributed to economic challenges and public discontent.