Sheikh Hasina: A Controversial Figure in Bangladeshi Politics
Early Life and Career
Sheikh Hasina Wazed was born on 28 September 1947 in Tungipara, East Bengal (now Bangladesh). Her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was a prominent politician and the first president of Bangladesh. Hasina was educated in Bangladesh and India, and she later studied at the University of Delhi.
Political Career
Hasina entered politics in the 1980s, and she was elected to the Bangladesh Parliament in 1986. She served as the Leader of the Opposition from 1991 to 1996, and she was elected Prime Minister in 1996. She has served four terms as Prime Minister, and she is the longest-serving Prime Minister in Bangladesh's history.
Controversial Election
Hasina's fourth term in office was secured in a controversial election in 2018. The election was marred by allegations of voter fraud and intimidation, and the opposition parties boycotted the vote. The United States and the European Union condemned the election, and they called for a new vote.
Authoritarian Turn
Under Hasina's leadership, Bangladesh has taken an authoritarian turn. The government has cracked down on dissent, and the media has been censored. The government has also been accused of human rights abuses, including torture and extrajudicial killings.
Conclusion
Sheikh Hasina is a controversial figure in Bangladeshi politics. She has been praised for her economic policies, but she has also been criticized for her authoritarian rule. It remains to be seen how her legacy will be judged.
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