Sheikh Hasina’s Complex Legacy and the Current Crisis in Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina: A Complex Legacy in Bangladesh

For those observing from afar, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh embodies a fascinating narrative. She stands as the world’s longest-serving female head of government, a secular Muslim often draped in vibrant saris, who has bravely confronted the specter of Islamic militancy, significantly reduced poverty levels, and skillfully navigated the intricate diplomatic waters between India and China.

However, this façade of success comes with profound implications. Over her 15 years in power, Ms. Hasina has solidified her grip on authority while simultaneously polarizing this nation of 170 million. Those who have pledged loyalty have reaped the benefits of patronage, influence, and immunity from accountability. Conversely, dissenters have faced severe repercussions, including crackdowns, protracted legal battles, and imprisonment.

The ongoing protests that have erupted across Bangladesh this month represent a significant backlash against Ms. Hasina’s method of governance: one that is characterized by absolute control, disconnection from the populace, and a sense of entitlement. The violent repression of these protests, which has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 150 individuals, marks the most formidable challenge to her reign, coming just months after she claimed a fourth consecutive term as prime minister in an election marred by allegations of fraud.

What began as a peaceful student-led movement opposing job quotas designed for specific groups quickly spiraled into chaos. The government’s brutal response, involving security forces and vigilante groups aligned with Ms. Hasina’s party, has plunged the nation into a state of near anarchy. Curfews have been enacted, military units are patrolling the streets, and the internet has been shut down, with phone communications heavily restricted.

Even in a country with a history marked by political violence, the scale of Ms. Hasina’s crackdown has drawn widespread condemnation. Diplomats and analysts have described the actions taken against protesters as unprecedented atrocities in contemporary Bangladesh. Many citizens believe that a threshold has been crossed, and the widespread outrage over the violence inflicted upon them shows no signs of abating in the near future.