Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Hasina (born 28 September 1947) is a Bangladeshi politician who served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 2009 to 2024, making her the longest-serving PM in the country's history. She is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh. As president of the Awami League party, she led Bangladesh through a period of significant economic growth and infrastructure development. Born in Tungipara, Gopalganj district, Hasina studied at the University of Dhaka. She entered politics through the Awami League and became its president in 1981 after her father's assassination. She was Prime Minister from 1996 to 2001, and again from 2009 to 2024. Under her leadership, Bangladesh achieved impressive GDP growth rates, reduced poverty significantly, and became one of the fastest-growing economies in South Asia. Her government's notable achievements include the expansion of the garment industry (making Bangladesh the world's second-largest garment exporter), massive infrastructure projects like the Padma Bridge (built entirely with national funds), and significant improvements in education and healthcare. She was also known for her digital Bangladesh initiative. However, her tenure was also marked by controversies including allegations of authoritarianism, suppression of opposition, and the 2024 student-led revolution that forced her resignation and exile. She fled to India in August 2024 after widespread protests.