The Political Image of Sheikh Hasina

 

Photo source: Hindustan Times

By Naveed Qazi | Editor, Globe Upfront

Sheikh Hasina’s victory in Bangladesh’s January 2024 general election marked her fifth consecutive term as Prime Minister, consolidating her position as one of South Asia’s longest‑serving leaders. The Awami League secured a majority in the Jatiya Sangsad, but the election was marred by controversy. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) boycotted the polls over the issue of a caretaker government, and international observers raised concerns about fairness. As BBC News reported, turnout was low at around 42 percent, and the absence of the main opposition cast doubt on the credibility of the process.

Hasina’s dominance reflects both her political skill and her control over state institutions. Since 2009, she has overseen rapid economic growth and infrastructure development, but critics argue that her government has eroded democratic freedoms. The Guardian noted that opposition leaders have faced imprisonment and harassment, with the BNP accusing Hasina of using the judiciary and police to weaken rivals. The United States has also voiced concerns about shrinking political space, with Reuters highlighting Washington’s calls for free and fair elections.

Supporters argue that Hasina has stabilised civil‑military relations, a sensitive issue in Bangladesh’s history. In 2011, a coup attempt by Islamist‑leaning officers was foiled, reinforcing her standing with the armed forces. Analysts writing in The Hindu observed that Hasina has managed to keep the military aligned with civilian authority, unlike the eras of Ziaur Rahman and H.M. Ershad. However, opposition figures describe this relationship as a nexus that ensures her continued grip on power.

Her government has also elevated the legacy of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founding leader. Statues, memorials and judicial verdicts have reinforced his centrality in national identity. Al Jazeera reported that several opposition leaders were sentenced for their alleged involvement in Mujibur Rahman’s assassination, a move critics say was politically motivated.

Relations with India remain crucial. India has long treated Hasina as a reliable partner, particularly in counter‑terrorism and connectivity projects. Yet concerns persist in India’s northeast about cross‑border migration. The Times of India has repeatedly reported on demographic changes in Assam and Tripura, with critics arguing that successive Indian governments have avoided pressing Dhaka too hard on these issues.

Hasina’s secular image has also come under scrutiny. Reports of religious intolerance and minority persecution have grown, particularly against Hindus. The Daily Star in Dhaka has documented cases of land grabs and violence, while Human Rights Watch has noted that hundreds of thousands of Hindus have emigrated from Bangladesh over the past decade. Religious appeasement, critics argue, has become a political tool, raising questions about the government’s commitment to pluralism.

Bangladesh also faces challenges from the illegal narcotics trade. Methamphetamine (yaba) flows from Myanmar through Bangladesh into India’s northeast, creating a major regional security issue. The Indian Express reported that trafficking networks exploit porous borders and corruption, undermining law enforcement.

Another strategic challenge is China’s expanding footprint. Beijing has invested heavily in Bangladeshi infrastructure under the Belt and Road Initiative, including ports and power plants. Financial Times noted that while Hasina maintains close ties with India, she has signalled that Bangladesh will keep its foreign policy options open, balancing between New Delhi and Beijing. This hedging strategy worries Indian policymakers, who fear that Chinese projects could evolve into strategic bases.

In conclusion, Sheikh Hasina’s 2024 victory consolidates her position as Bangladesh’s most powerful leader in decades. Yet her rule is contested: BBC News and Reuters highlight international criticism of democratic backsliding, The Daily Star and Human Rights Watch document minority rights concerns, The Indian Express points to narcotics trafficking, and Financial Times underscores China’s growing influence. For India, Hasina remains both a partner and a source of unease, as Dhaka navigates between friendship with New Delhi and engagement with Beijing.