Born on September 28, 1947 in Tungipara, then a part of East Pakistan, Sheikh Hasina came from a family that played a key role in Bangladesh’s independence—Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

In 1975, during a brutal military coup in which most of her family members were killed, she survived. Her early adult years were mostly marked by exile and struggle. However, in 1981, when she returned to Bangladesh, she took charge of her father’s party, the Awami League.

What made her Bangladesh’s Iron Lady?

In 1996, she first became the prime minister. However, in 2008, the most transformative period started with her electoral comeback. She remained in power for over a decade, and that period was the growth phase for Bangladesh with economic growth, major infrastructure projects like the Padma Bridge, significant reduction in poverty, and a boom in Bangladesh’s garment industry. For many, she was the architect of a Bangladesh that was in every sense modern and prosperous; she was hence dubbed the country’s “Iron Lady.”

Why did criticism against her mount?

Even though Hasina did great things for Bangladesh and was behind most of the development achievements, her rule was strongly criticized for its authoritarian behaviour. Opposition leaders, journalists, and civil society accused her of curtailing media freedom and using security forces to stifle political rivals. Critics mostly accused her of holding power at the cost of democracy.

What sparked the 2024 uprising?

What started as a student-led protest in Bangladesh due to the quota system turned into a mass uprising. Thirty per cent quota was reserved in government jobs for freedom fighters and their children. The mass protest against the quota system and demands for its removal, which started as just a discussion, turned into a nationwide revolt. Responding to the revolt, she ordered a brutal crackdown. According to the tribunal, she ordered the use of lethal force, using both drones and helicopters. As per prosecutors, the violence was systematic and widespread; a UN-backed report estimates up to 1,400 people lost their lives during the unrest. All this led to her fleeing to India on August 5, 2024.

Why was Hasina sentenced to death?

In what is called a historic judgment, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh, which was initially set up under the leadership of Hasina, convicted her today in absentia of crimes against humanity. The tribunal held “superior command responsibility” for ordering the crackdown. In Monday’s judgment, she was found guilty on counts including incitement to violence, failure to prevent killings, and issuing orders to use lethal weapons, and hence was given the death penalty.

What is Hasina’s reaction to the verdict?

Hasina has strongly denounced the verdict. She has called the tribunal’s judgment “rigged” and politically motivated, blaming the unelected interim government behind the order. She even said that she was never given a fair trial and argued that she is ready to face her accusers “in a proper court where evidence can be weighed and tested fairly.”

Bangladesh is now at a crossroads with her death sentence and her exile in India. Her legacy will be debated for years to come.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share