Sheikh Hasina is one of South Asia’s longest-serving politicians, and her impact on Bangladesh is wide-ranging and controversial. During her long tenure in office, the country has made significant economic progress, implemented substantial social reforms, and continued to face security challenges. While some people in other countries accuse her of being authoritarian or limiting democracy, her supporters point out the situation she inherited: a country full of coups, violent political rivalries, and attacks by extremists.
To understand her reign, you have to realize that many of her decisions are based on more than just political strategy. She also wanted to stabilize a weak state that is still recuperating from years of upheaval.
Economic Transformation Under Hasina
When Sheikh Hasina returned to office in 2009, Bangladesh was still dealing with low industrial productivity, regular street violence, infrastructure deficiencies, and weak economic growth. Over the next fifteen years, the country experienced one of the most rapid revolutions in Asia. Bangladesh’s GDP per capita has more than tripled, and it has met all three criteria for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Supporters frequently argue that such expansion, which occurred in the absence of plentiful natural resources, is the result of purposeful policy rather than fortunate fortune.
Flagship projects like the Padma Bridge, which was erected under criticism from other countries and without World Bank money, were strong emblems of the country’s will. The metro rail in Dhaka, the Karnaphuli tunnel, and big road-rail expansions all added to a larger story of development: that Bangladesh could take on big projects and get them done under Hasina. These changes not only made it easier for people to get around, but they also made investors feel better and opened up new business opportunities in the area.
The clothing industry is now the world’s second-largest exporter, which has contributed significantly to Bangladesh’s economic growth. By hiring millions of women, the industry altered traditional gender roles, increased household income, and expanded the middle class. People who support Hasina argue that her government has invested a significant amount of money in digital services, rural electricity, and educational grants. These initiatives have helped more people find employment and reduce poverty.
Governance, Stability, and Political Considerations
Bangladesh’s political history is inextricably linked to violence, coups, and intense ideological conflicts. Sheikh Hasina herself survived many assassination attempts, including the devastating 2004 grenade attack. In this case, she has typically prioritized stability and control when in charge. Some people think this is authoritarianism because it makes it harder for the opposition to do their jobs and makes people wonder if elections are fair. A lot of people in Bangladesh, though, believe that a strong government kept the country from going back to the chaos that used to make life and business difficult.
The BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, among others, say that the government is stopping people from speaking out. But supporters say that these groups caused political unrest, street violence, and arson, which is why the government had to act strongly. Hasina’s actions are an attempt to make the world more predictable so that businesses can run, people can work safely, and extremist groups can’t take advantage of political gaps.
Security and Counter Extremism Efforts
The 2016 Holey Artisan attack was a watershed moment in Bangladesh’s modern history. In response, Hasina’s administration conducted a sweeping counter-terrorism operation, eliminating cells affiliated to the JMB, ABT, and other extreme networks. This response, however contentious, greatly reduced terrorist attacks and restored international trust in Bangladesh’s security situation. International organisations continue to express concern regarding enforced disappearances and unlawful measures.
The government responds that many allegations are politically driven or unproven, citing multiple instances in which “missing” individuals emerged abroad or were involved in criminal activity. The administration maintains that, while individual violations may occur, they do not constitute official policy. Supporters further note that, despite pressure, Bangladesh’s media landscape remains varied, with various publications openly criticizing the government.
Foreign Policy and Strategic Balancing
Sheikh Hasina’s foreign policy adheres to a pragmatic “balanced diplomacy” style. Working together on security, connectivity, and water-sharing talks has helped improve relations with India. Bangladesh has collaborated with Japan on key development projects, maintained strong ties with Gulf countries to facilitate labor migration, and simultaneously sought Chinese investment in infrastructure.
Hasina’s choice to protect over a million Rohingya refugees fleeing genocide in Myanmar got her a lot of attention around the world. The decision caused a lot of economic problems for Bangladesh, but the government said it was the right thing to do because it was in line with the country’s values about freedom. Supporters say that not many countries have taken on such a humanitarian burden with the same level of kindness.
Hasina’s government has spent a lot of money to improve healthcare for parents, elementary school students, and people who live in rural areas. More community clinics, free books, and money for low-income students have all helped to lower the number of deaths and raise the levels of literacy and life expectancy. People learned new things from the “Digital Bangladesh” program, were able to do their banking and government business online, and public services got better.
People are still worried about democracy, but a balanced view shows that Hasina has a lot of support because she has done well in the economy, society, and security. The difference between her critics and supporters highlights bigger debates about what Bangladesh needs more right now: a strong state-led quick development or a more diverse political system that is prone to change.
Hasina’s Legacy in Making
Bangladesh has come a long way, but it is still having problems with its institutions and political conflict. This is the best way to understand how Sheikh Hasina leads. People either praise her for her transformational programs or criticize her for her decisions about how to run the country. Either way, she has had a big impact on the direction of modern Bangladesh. She is a leader who wants to keep the country from going back to its troubled past. Her choices are often based on her own experiences, the country’s past trauma, and strategic planning. Bangladesh is trying to become richer and more stable, and Sheikh Hasina’s legacy will help us understand how the country dealt with its most important decades of economic, security, and governance issues.
