Hasina Wajed (1947-…), usually called Sheikh Hasina, served as prime minister of Bangladesh from 1996 to 2001, and again from 2009 to 2024. She heads the Awami League political party. She is the daughter of Mujibur Rahman, the first prime minister of Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina was born on Sept. 28, 1947, in what is now Tungipara, Bangladesh. At the time of her birth, Bangladesh was part of Pakistan. She graduated from the University of Dhaka in 1973. In 1975, military leaders assassinated Mujibur Rahman. Sheikh Hasina lived in exile until she was elected president of the Awami League in 1981. She returned to Bangladesh that same year.
In the 1980’s, Sheikh Hasina led the Awami League in its campaign against Bangladesh’s military government. She was arrested many times for her political actions. From 1986 to 1987 and from 1991 to 1996, she served as leader of the opposition in Bangladesh’s Parliament. In an election in 1996, the Awami League won the most seats in Parliament. Sheikh Hasina then became prime minister.
In 2001, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won the most seats in a parliamentary election. Its leader, Khaleda Zia, became prime minister. Zia had also served as prime minister from 1991 to 1996. Sheikh Hasina again became the opposition leader. Sheikh Hasina and Zia have long had an intense rivalry. Sheikh Hasina has accused former president Ziaur Rahman, who was Zia’s husband, of involvement in the death of Mujibur Rahman.
In a 2008 election, the Awami League won the most seats in Parliament. In 2009, Sheikh Hasina began her second term as prime minister. She again led the Awami League to victory in parliamentary elections held in 2014, 2018, and 2024. She remained prime minister following each of those elections. The BNP boycotted (did not participate in) the 2014 and 2024 elections.
In July and August 2024, violent protests against Sheikh Hasina’s government broke out across Bangladesh. The protests began over quotas (limits) on government jobs, but soon became focused on removing Sheikh Hasina from office. Hundreds of people were killed in the protests. On August 5, Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime minister and fled to India.
