Sheikh Hasina facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sheikh Hasina
শেখ হাসিনা
Hasina in 2023
10th Prime Minister of Bangladesh
In office 6 January 2009 – 5 August 2024
President	Iajuddin Ahmed Zillur Rahman Mohammad Abdul Hamid Mohammed Shahabuddin
Preceded by	Fakhruddin Ahmed (as Chief Adviser)
Succeeded by	Muhammad Yunus (as Chief Adviser)
In office 23 June 1996 – 15 July 2001
President	Abdur Rahman Biswas Shahabuddin Ahmed
Preceded by	Muhammad Habibur Rahman (as Chief Adviser)
Succeeded by	Latifur Rahman (as Chief Adviser)
8th Leader of the House
In office 6 January 2009 – 5 August 2024
Preceded by	Khaleda Zia
Succeeded by	TBA
In office 23 June 1996 – 15 July 2001
Preceded by	Khaleda Zia
Succeeded by	Khaleda Zia
8th President of Awami League
Incumbent
Assumed office 16 February 1981
General Secretary	Abdur Razzaq Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury Zillur Rahman Abdul Jalil Sayed Ashraful Islam Obaidul Quader
Preceded by	Abdul Malek Ukil
Member of Parliament
In office 12 June 1996 – 6 August 2024
Preceded by	Mujibur Rahman Howlader
Succeeded by	Vacant
Constituency	Gopalganj-3
In office 27 February 1991 – 15 February 1996
Preceded by	Kazi Firoz Rashid
Succeeded by	Mujibur Rahman Howlader
Constituency	Gopalganj-3
2nd Leader of the Opposition
In office 10 October 2001 – 29 October 2006
Prime Minister	Khaleda Zia
Preceded by	Khaleda Zia
Succeeded by	Khaleda Zia
In office 20 March 1991 – 30 March 1996
Prime Minister	Khaleda Zia
Preceded by	Abdur Rab
Succeeded by	Khaleda Zia
In office 7 May 1986 – 3 March 1988
President	Hussain Muhammad Ershad
Preceded by	Asaduzzaman Khan
Succeeded by	Abdur Rab
Personal details
Born	Hasina Sheikh (1947-09-28) 28 September 1947 (age 77) Tungipara, East Bengal, Dominion of Pakistan
Political party	Bangladesh Awami League
Other political affiliations	Grand Alliance (since 2008)
Spouse	M. A. Wazed Miah ​ ​ (m. 1968; died 2009)​
Children	Sajeeb Saima
Parents	Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (father) Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib (mother)
Relatives	Tungipara Sheikh family
Alma mater	Eden Mohila College University of Dhaka
Awards	Full list
Signature
Criminal Information
Criminal status	Fugitive, Self-imposed exile in India; Subject of arrest warrant by the International Crimes Tribunal
Criminal charge	Crimes against humanity during Student–People's uprising

Sheikh Hasina
শেখ হাসিনা
Hasina in 2023
10th Prime Minister of Bangladesh
In office 6 January 2009 – 5 August 2024
President	Iajuddin Ahmed Zillur Rahman Mohammad Abdul Hamid Mohammed Shahabuddin
Preceded by	Fakhruddin Ahmed (as Chief Adviser)
Succeeded by	Muhammad Yunus (as Chief Adviser)
In office 23 June 1996 – 15 July 2001
President	Abdur Rahman Biswas Shahabuddin Ahmed
Preceded by	Muhammad Habibur Rahman (as Chief Adviser)
Succeeded by	Latifur Rahman (as Chief Adviser)
8th Leader of the House
In office 6 January 2009 – 5 August 2024
Preceded by	Khaleda Zia
Succeeded by	TBA
In office 23 June 1996 – 15 July 2001
Preceded by	Khaleda Zia
Succeeded by	Khaleda Zia
8th President of Awami League
Incumbent
Assumed office 16 February 1981
General Secretary	Abdur Razzaq Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury Zillur Rahman Abdul Jalil Sayed Ashraful Islam Obaidul Quader
Preceded by	Abdul Malek Ukil
Member of Parliament
In office 12 June 1996 – 6 August 2024
Preceded by	Mujibur Rahman Howlader
Succeeded by	Vacant
Constituency	Gopalganj-3
In office 27 February 1991 – 15 February 1996
Preceded by	Kazi Firoz Rashid
Succeeded by	Mujibur Rahman Howlader
Constituency	Gopalganj-3
2nd Leader of the Opposition
In office 10 October 2001 – 29 October 2006
Prime Minister	Khaleda Zia
Preceded by	Khaleda Zia
Succeeded by	Khaleda Zia
In office 20 March 1991 – 30 March 1996
Prime Minister	Khaleda Zia
Preceded by	Abdur Rab
Succeeded by	Khaleda Zia
In office 7 May 1986 – 3 March 1988
President	Hussain Muhammad Ershad
Preceded by	Asaduzzaman Khan
Succeeded by	Abdur Rab
Personal details
Born	Hasina Sheikh (1947-09-28) 28 September 1947 (age 77) Tungipara, East Bengal, Dominion of Pakistan
Political party	Bangladesh Awami League
Other political affiliations	Grand Alliance (since 2008)
Spouse	M. A. Wazed Miah ​ ​ (m. 1968; died 2009)​
Children	Sajeeb Saima
Parents	Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (father) Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib (mother)
Relatives	Tungipara Sheikh family
Alma mater	Eden Mohila College University of Dhaka
Awards	Full list
Signature
Criminal Information
Criminal status	Fugitive, Self-imposed exile in India; Subject of arrest warrant by the International Crimes Tribunal
Criminal charge	Crimes against humanity during Student–People's uprising

Sheikh Hasina (born 28 September 1947) is a Bangladeshi politician. She served as the prime minister of Bangladesh two times. Her first term was from June 1996 to July 2001. Her second term was from January 2009 to August 2024. This second term was the longest time anyone has been prime minister since Bangladesh became independent. She resigned and went to India in August 2024 after large protests.

Hasina is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was Bangladesh's first president. She is part of the Tungipara Sheikh family, a well-known political family. She was not very involved in politics before her father's death in 1975. After that, she found safety in India and became involved with the Awami League party. She was elected as its president, a role she still holds.

She returned to Bangladesh in 1981. She and her party, the Awami League, worked to bring back democracy. They protested against the military leader Hussain Muhammad Ershad. These efforts led to a big uprising in 1990. This brought back parliamentary democracy in the 1991 election.

Hasina's party lost the 1991 election to Khaleda Zia's BNP. As the leader of the opposition, Hasina said the election was not fair. Her party boycotted the Parliament. This led to protests and political problems. Khaleda Zia later resigned, and Hasina became prime minister after the 1996 election. Her first term ended in July 2001. Khaleda Zia then became prime minister again.

During a political crisis from 2006 to 2008, Hasina was held for a period. After her release, she won the 2008 election. In the 2014 election, she was re-elected for a third term. This election was boycotted by the BNP and criticized by some international observers. In 2017, nearly a million Rohingya people came to Bangladesh. They were fleeing violence in Myanmar. Hasina was praised for giving them a safe place and help. She won a fourth and fifth term after the 2018 and 2024 elections. These elections faced criticism.

Her second time as prime minister (2009–2024) saw economic challenges. There were also concerns about democratic practices. She was prime minister for over 20 years. This made her the longest-serving prime minister in Bangladesh's history. She also became the world's longest-serving female head of government.

In 2022, protests started against her government. In July 2024, new student protests began. They wanted changes to government job rules. The government responded to these protests, which led to many people being hurt or killed. By August, the protests grew into a large uprising against the government. This led to Hasina resigning and leaving for India.

Hasina was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2018. She was also on Forbes magazine's list of the 100 most powerful women in the world in 2015, 2018, and 2022.

Early Life and Family

Hasina was born on 28 September 1947 in Tungipara, East Bengal. Her parents were Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib. She spent her early childhood in Tungipara. Later, her family moved to Dhaka.

When her father became a government minister in 1954, the family lived in Dhaka. Hasina often spoke about growing up while her father was held as a political prisoner. She said that her father was often jailed because he cared deeply for the people. She and her siblings did not get to spend much time with their father because he was so busy with politics.

Education and Marriage

Hasina went to primary school in her village of Tungipara. In Dhaka, she attended Azimpur Girls' School and Begum Badrunnesa Girls' College. She studied for a bachelor's degree at Eden College. She was elected as the Vice President of the Students Union at Eden College from 1966 to 1967.

In 1967, she married M. A. Wazed Miah. He was a Bangladeshi nuclear scientist. Hasina studied Bengali literature at Dhaka University and graduated in 1973. She was involved in student politics and was elected as the general secretary of the women's unit in Rokeya Hall, a dormitory at Dhaka University.

Family Tragedy and Exile

In August 1975, most of Hasina's family was killed during a coup. This included her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Hasina, her husband, her children, and her sister Sheikh Rehana were visiting Europe at the time. They found safety in the home of the Bangladeshi ambassador in West Germany. Later, they accepted an offer of political asylum from India's Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The surviving family members lived in India for six years. The military government in Bangladesh stopped Hasina from returning home. She was elected President of the Bangladesh Awami League on 16 February 1981. She returned to Bangladesh on 17 May 1981. Thousands of Awami League supporters welcomed her.

Early Political Journey

Working Against Military Rule (1981–1991)

While living in India, Hasina became the President of the Awami League in 1981. This party is often described as a "Centre-Left" political group.

During the 1980s, Hasina was often held under house arrest. This was because of the martial law in place. She was held in February and November 1984, and again for three months in March 1985.

Hasina and the Awami League took part in the 1986 election under President Hussain Muhammad Ershad. She became the leader of the opposition in parliament from 1986 to 1987. She led a group of eight parties against Ershad. Some people criticized her for taking part in the election because it was held under military rule. However, her supporters said she used this chance to challenge Ershad's power.

Ershad dissolved the parliament in December 1987. Hasina and her party resigned to ask for a new election under a neutral government. In late 1987, a large uprising happened in Dhaka. Several people were killed, including Noor Hossain, an Awami League supporter.

Her party, along with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Khaleda Zia, worked to bring back a democratically elected government. They succeeded after a vote in 1991 that changed the country back to a parliamentary system. The BNP won the 1991 election.

Leader of the Opposition (1991–1996)

After years of strict rule, widespread protests and strikes made the economy difficult. Government workers refused to follow orders and resigned. Hasina worked with Khaleda Zia to oppose Ershad. A huge protest in December 1990 forced Ershad to resign. He handed power to Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed, the Chief Justice.

A temporary government, led by Ahmed, held a general election. The BNP, led by Khaleda Zia, won most seats. Hasina's Awami League became the largest opposition party. Hasina ran in three areas, winning in one and losing in two. She offered to resign as party president, but her party leaders asked her to stay.

Politics changed in Bangladesh in 1994 after a special election in Magura-2. The Awami League expected to win, but the BNP candidate won. Neutral observers said there were problems with the election. Hasina then led the Awami League in boycotting parliament from 1994.

First Time as Prime Minister (1996–2001)

Hasina with US President Bill Clinton in Dhaka, 2000

Hasina with European Commission President Romano Prodi in Brussels, 2001

The Awami League and other opposition parties demanded that the next elections be held under a neutral caretaker government. They wanted this rule to be part of the constitution. The ruling BNP refused.

Opposition parties started a big campaign, with strikes lasting for weeks. The government said these strikes were harming the economy. The opposition argued that the BNP could solve the problem by agreeing to their demands. In late 1995, members of parliament from the Awami League and other parties resigned. The parliament finished its five-year term, and an election was held in February 1996. Most major parties boycotted this election, so the ruling BNP won all the seats. Hasina called this election unfair.

The new parliament, mostly made up of BNP members, changed the constitution. This created rules for a caretaker government to manage elections. The June 1996 election was held under a neutral caretaker government. The Awami League won 146 seats, which was the most, but not a full majority. Khaleda Zia, leader of the BNP, said the results were unfair. However, neutral observers said the election was free and fair.

Hasina served her first term as Prime Minister from June 1996 to July 2001. She signed a 30-year water-sharing agreement with India for the Ganges river. Her government removed a law that protected the killers of Sheikh Mujib from being charged. Her government also allowed private companies to join the telecommunications industry, which had been controlled by the government.

In December 1997, Hasina's government signed the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord. This agreement ended a conflict in the Chittagong Division. For this, Hasina won the UNESCO Peace Prize. Her government started the Ashrayan-1 Project to help homeless people. Relations with neighboring countries also improved. Hasina's government finished the large Bangabandhu Bridge project in 1998. In 1999, the government started a new industrial policy to help the private sector grow.

Hasina's government made some changes to the economy. This led to an average economic growth of 5.5%. Food production increased, and poverty rates went down. A Housing Fund was created to help people who lost their homes due to river erosion. The government also started a program called Ekti Bari Ekti Khamar to help poorer families earn more through farming.

The government also worked to create a social security system. This system aimed to help the most vulnerable people. Hasina's government introduced a plan that gave monthly allowances to 400,000 elderly people. This plan was later expanded to include widows and women in difficult situations. A national foundation was created to help people with disabilities. The Ashrayan-1 Project provided homes and jobs for the homeless.

Hasina was the first prime minister to have a "Prime Minister's Question-Answer Time" in the Jatiya Sangsad (parliament). Her government also changed laws to allow the killers of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to be charged. The government introduced a new system for local government.

The Hasina government also opened up the telecommunications industry. This allowed private companies to offer mobile phone services. This change led to lower prices and more people being able to use phones. The government also created the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission to oversee this new industry.

The government also created a National Policy for Women's Advancement. This policy aimed to ensure equality between men and women. It sought to provide safety and jobs for women, improve education, stop discrimination, and help women take part in society and the economy. The government also added special seats for women in local elections. In 1999, Hasina's cabinet approved a plan to ensure children's rights and better upbringing.

Hasina traveled to many international meetings and visited several countries. Bangladesh joined two international groups: the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8). She was the first Bangladeshi prime minister to complete a full five-year term since the country's independence.

In the 2001 election, the Awami League won 40% of the votes. However, due to the election system, they only won 62 seats in parliament. The 'Four Party Alliance' led by BNP won 234 seats. Hasina lost in one area but won in two others. Hasina and her party said the election was unfair. However, the international community was mostly satisfied with the election results.

Leader of the Opposition (2001–2008)

During this time, Awami League members of parliament did not attend parliament regularly. In late 2003, the Awami League started a major movement against the government.

Attacks and Protests (2004–2006)

During her second time as leader of the opposition, political problems and violence increased. In May 2004, a member of parliament, Ahsanullah Master, was shot and died. On 21 August, there was a grenade attack at an Awami League gathering in Dhaka. This attack killed 24 party supporters, including Ivy Rahman, the party's women's secretary. In October 2018, a special court ruled that this was a planned attack.

In June 2005, A. B. M. Mohiuddin Chowdhury, the Awami League Mayor of Chittagong, won an important election in Chittagong. This election was seen as a test between the opposition and the ruling party.

In October 2006, Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League started the Logi Boitha Movement. Thousands of Awami League workers occupied streets in Dhaka for several days. This led to some people being hurt and property being damaged.

Detention During Caretaker Government (2006–2008)

The time before the planned 2007 elections was full of political problems. After Khaleda Zia's government ended in October 2006, there were protests and strikes. About 40 people died in the following month. This was due to uncertainty about who would lead the temporary Caretaker Government. The Awami League and its allies protested, saying the caretaker government favored the BNP.

The period was marked by violence and strikes. A presidential advisor tried to get Hasina and Khaleda Zia to agree to the planned 2007 elections. However, the nomination of Ershad was canceled. As a result, the Grand Alliance withdrew its candidates. They demanded that a list of voters be published.

Later, President Iajuddin Ahmed had to declare a state of emergency. Then, Lt General Moeen Uddin Ahmed took control of the government. Political activities were stopped. Fakhruddin Ahmed became the chief advisor with the support of the Bangladesh Army.

In April 2007, Hasina was accused of taking money by the military-backed caretaker government. She was accused of forcing a businessman to pay bribes in 1998. The government tried to stop Hasina from returning to Bangladesh, saying her return could cause problems. Hasina said the accusations were false and that she wanted to defend herself. The ban on her entry was later removed. On 7 May 2007, Hasina returned to Dhaka and was welcomed by many people.

On 16 July 2007, Hasina was arrested at her home. She was accused of taking money and was held in a building at the National Parliament. The Awami League said the arrest was politically motivated. Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed, who was outside the country, said he would organize protests. These arrests were seen as an attempt by the temporary government to remove Hasina and Zia from politics.

On 11 June 2008, Hasina was released on temporary leave for health reasons. The next day, she flew to the United States for medical treatment.

Second Time as Prime Minister (2009–2024)

Second Term (2009–2014)

Hasina with British Prime Minister David Cameron in January 2011

On 6 November 2008, Hasina returned to Bangladesh to take part in the 2008 election. The election was set for 29 December. She decided to join the election as part of the "Grand Alliance". This alliance included the Jatiya Party, led by Hussain Muhammad Ershad. On 11 December 2008, Hasina announced her party's election promises. She promised to build a "Digital Bangladesh" by 2021.

The Awami League's promises included reducing price increases, fighting corruption, and increasing power generation. They also promised to help the agriculture sector, improve governance, and stop terrorism. They vowed to try those who committed crimes during the 1971 war. They also promised to make the justice system fair and reform the election system.

Her Awami League and the Grand Alliance won the 2008 election with a large majority. They won 230 out of 299 seats. Khaleda Zia, leader of the BNP, said the election was unfair. However, independent observers said the elections were peaceful and fair. Hasina became prime minister for a second time on 6 January 2009.

After becoming prime minister, Hasina faced a big national problem in 2009. This was a revolt by the Bangladesh Rifles over a pay dispute. This led to 56 deaths, including army officers. In 2011, parliament removed the law that required a non-party caretaker government to hold elections. In 2012, she did not allow Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar to enter Bangladesh.

Hasina with Russian President Vladimir Putin in January 2013

In 2012, she had disagreements with Muhammad Yunus, who founded Grameen Bank. Yunus lost control of his bank after a court decision. He criticized Hasina, but she said she did not understand why he blamed her when it was a court decision.

During this term, her government successfully formed the International Crimes Tribunal. This tribunal was set up to investigate and prosecute those involved in the 1971 Bangladesh genocide during the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Third Term (2014–2019)

Hasina with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi in 2015.

Hasina won a second consecutive term in office. Her Awami League and its allies won the 2014 election by a large margin. Major opposition parties boycotted the election due to concerns about fairness. As a result, the Awami League won 267 seats, with 153 of them being uncontested.

The election was controversial. There were reports of violence and actions against the opposition before the election. Many seats were won without anyone running against them. Hasina's Awami League won a strong majority. Hasina said that the boycott did not mean the election was not legitimate. Despite the controversy, Hasina formed a government with Ershad's Jatiya Party as the official opposition.

Hasina with G7 Leaders and guests in Japan, 2016

During this period, there were more attacks by extremist groups in Bangladesh. In March 2017, Bangladesh got its first two submarines. In September 2017, Hasina's government gave shelter and help to about a million Rohingya refugees. She urged Myanmar to stop violence against the Rohingya. Most people in Bangladesh supported the government's decision to help the Rohingya. Hasina was praised for her actions.

Hasina supported calls to remove the Statue of Justice in front of the Supreme Court. This was seen as the government responding to religious groups.

Hasina is a supporter of the Asian University for Women.

Fourth Term (2019–2024)

Hasina won her third consecutive term, and fourth overall. Her Awami League won 288 out of 300 parliamentary seats. The leader of the main opposition, Kamal Hossain, called the vote unfair and rejected the results. Before the election, human rights groups said the government created a difficult environment for the opposition.

The BNP, the main opposition party, performed very poorly. They won only eight seats. This made them the weakest opposition since democracy returned to Bangladesh in 1991.

Hasina at the 18th NAM Summit

In May 2021, Hasina gave the opening speech for a new headquarters for the Bangladesh Post Office. She asked for more development of the postal service due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. She mentioned plans for digital changes and building cooling units for sending perishable food.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon with Hasina at COP26 in 2021

In January 2022, the government passed a law to create a Universal Pension Scheme. All Bangladeshi citizens, including those living abroad, between 18 and 60 years old can receive a monthly payment.

By the end of 2021–22, Bangladesh's external debt had grown significantly. There were also problems in the banking sector. In July 2022, the Finance Ministry asked for financial help from the International Monetary Fund. This was due to decreasing foreign currency reserves. In January 2023, the IMF agreed to provide a support package of US$4.7 billion. The IMF said this would help keep the economy stable and support vulnerable people.

In December 2022, protests against the government started due to rising costs.

On 28 December, Hasina opened the first part of the Dhaka Metro Rail. This was the country's first mass-rapid transit system.

Hasina speaking at a party rally in February 2023

During the 2023 G20 New Delhi summit, Hasina met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They discussed working together in areas like transportation and trade. Hasina also met other world leaders at the summit.

Fifth Term (2024)

Hasina with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in 2024

In January 2024, Hasina won her fourth consecutive term. Her party, the Awami League, won 224 out of 300 parliamentary seats. This election had a low voter turnout and was boycotted by the main opposition. She was sworn in on 11 January.

In May 2024, Sheikh Hasina said that a "white country" was trying to remove her government. She claimed she was offered trouble-free elections if she allowed a "white country" to build an airbase in Bangladesh. She also said there was a plan to create a Christian country like East Timor and Myanmar.

Hasina with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi in June 2024.

In June 2024, Prime Minister Hasina visited India. In July 2024, she also visited China. These visits were seen as attempts to improve relations with both countries.

In July 2024, protests started to change the quota system for government jobs. Hasina made a statement about the protests. Protesters then used the term "Razakars" in some of their slogans. The protests became violent, involving police, armed forces, and members of the Awami League and its youth groups. Many people were hurt or killed. The government shut down internet access and imposed a curfew. The Supreme Court agreed to change the quota system. However, protesters then demanded justice for those killed and an apology from Hasina. On 3 August, the protest organizers called for a non-cooperation movement, asking for Hasina and her cabinet to resign.

Resignation and Second Exile

People cheering in front of the Prime Minister's Office, after Sheikh Hasina's resignation

Hasina resigned on 5 August 2024. Large crowds of protesters had surrounded the prime minister's residence. Her resignation was announced by General Waker-uz-Zaman, the Chief of the Army Staff. Later that day, Hasina left for India. She left without giving a resignation speech.

Hasina reportedly flew to an air force base in India. She was met by the Indian national security advisor and other officials. India's foreign minister said she had asked to come to India on short notice. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, initially said she would not return to politics. However, he later said that she and the Awami League would remain active in Bangladeshi politics. He also said she would return to the country once elections were announced. He insisted that Sheikh Hasina was still the prime minister, saying she could not formally resign because she was forced to flee.

Hasina was living in a secret location in India under tight security in August 2024. Her son said that the protests that led to her resignation had support from a foreign intelligence agency, but he did not name any country. On 13 August, Hasina released her first confirmed statements since her removal. She called for an investigation into the killings during the protests. She also said that police and the Awami League were victims of "terrorist aggression."

After Being Prime Minister

As of September 2024, Hasina is facing many legal cases. These cases include accusations related to murder and other serious charges. Other former government officials are also facing similar cases. The Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal started an investigation into charges against her. The BNP party asked India to send Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh for these cases.

On 21 August, the interim government ordered that all diplomatic passports, including Hasina's, be canceled. On 29 August, the interim government removed a law that gave special benefits to the Sheikh–Wazed family, including Sheikh Hasina. On 17 October, the International Crimes Tribunal issued an arrest warrant for her. On 5 December, the tribunal banned her speeches and broadcasts from being published in Bangladesh.

Many secret prison cells were found during Sheikh Hasina's 15 years in power. These were visited by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in February 2025. Some detention centers had been hidden after her government fell. People were held in these cells for years, and some are believed to have died.

A report published on December 1, 2024, estimated that a large amount of money was illegally moved out of Bangladesh during Sheikh Hasina's time as Prime Minister. In December 2024, the Bangladeshi government started an investigation against Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and her niece, Tulip Siddiq. This was about accusations of misusing funds for a power plant project. On 24 December, the Bangladeshi government formally asked India to send Hasina back.

The interim government has made the money laundering case against Sheikh Hasina and her family a top priority. On 11 March 2025, a court in Dhaka ordered the freezing of 124 bank accounts belonging to Sheikh Hasina, her family, and related groups. These accounts held a large amount of money. The court also took control of some land. On 18 March 2025, another court ordered the freezing of 31 more bank accounts connected to Sheikh Hasina, her children, and her sister. A team found assets belonging to Hasina and her family in several countries.

On 1 June 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal began trying Sheikh Hasina in her absence. This was for actions against protests during her government. On 2 July 2025, she was sentenced in her absence to six months in prison for disrespecting the court.

An audio recording, confirmed by the BBC, showed that Hasina allowed force to be used against student protesters in 2024. This reportedly led to many deaths. The protests grew into a large uprising that removed Hasina from power. In the recording, Hasina is heard telling security forces to shoot protesters. This was supported by police using military-grade weapons. The recording is now key evidence in her trial. Her party denies any wrongdoing and questions the recording's authenticity.

Personal Life

In 1968, Hasina married M. A. Wazed Miah (1942–2009). He was a Bangladeshi physicist and writer. They have a son, Sajeeb Wazed, and a daughter, Saima Wazed. Hasina's only living sibling is Sheikh Rehana. Hasina's niece, Tulip Siddiq, is a British politician.

During her political career, Sheikh Hasina has survived 19 attempts on her life. She has some hearing problems from injuries in a 2004 grenade attack. Because of the violent history of her family, she and her children were given lifelong protection by the government of Bangladesh in 2015. This kind of security is common for people with high safety risks. The government also announced free utilities for life for her and her family. However, the interim government later decided to cancel this law.

Honors and Awards

Honorary Doctorates

• Degree of Doctor of Law from Boston University in 1997.
• Honorary Doctor of Law from Waseda University of Japan in 1997.
• Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Liberal Arts from the University of Abertay Dundee in 1997.
• Honorary Degree of 'Desikottama' (Doctor of Literature) from the Visva-Bharati University of India in 1999.
• Doctor of Law (honorary) from the Australian National University in 1999.
• Honorary Doctor of Law from the University of Dhaka in 1999.
• Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from University of Bridgeport in 2000.
• Doctor of Literature (honorary) from the Tripura University in 2012.
• Doctor of the University (Honorary) from the Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in 2015.
• Doctor of Letters (Honorary) from the Kazi Nazrul University, India, in 2018.

Awards

• Foreign Policy magazine named her one of the world's leading global thinkers in 2019.
• Planet 50–50 champion by UN Women.
• Agent of Change Award by Global Partnership Forum.
• Included on the Time 100 list in 2018.
• 59th place on Forbes' list of 100 most powerful women in the world.
• The Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize by the UNESCO in 1998.
• Mother Teresa Award by the All India Peace Council in 1998.
• M.K. Gandhi Award for 1998 by the Mahatma M K Gandhi Foundation of Oslo, Norway.
• Awarded Medal of Distinction in 1996–97 and 1998–99 and Head of State Medal in 1996–97 by the Lions Clubs International.
• The Ceres Medal by the Food and Agriculture Organization in 1999.
• The Pearl S. Buck Award by the Randolph College in 2000.
• Named Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation.
• Indira Gandhi Prize for 2009.
• UNESCO Peace Tree award for her work for women's empowerment and girl's education in 2014.
• UN environment prize for leadership on climate change.
• Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award (Champions of the Earth) in 2015.

Electoral History

See also

In Spanish: Sheikh Hasina para niños