Sheikh Hasina, the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh, comes from a family that has been central to the country’s political landscape. Born on September 28, 1947, she is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father and first President of Bangladesh, who led the country to independence from Pakistan in 1971.
Early Life and Tragedy
Sheikh Hasina’s formative years were deeply influenced by her father’s political activism. She was active in student politics, reflecting her early engagement with national issues. The assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of her family members on August 15, 1975, during a military coup, marked a tragic chapter in her life. Sheikh Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, were abroad during the coup, which saved their lives.
Political Rise
After the assassination, Sheikh Hasina lived in exile until 1981, when she returned to Bangladesh and took over the leadership of the Awami League, the party her father had founded. Her leadership revitalized the party, culminating in her first term as Prime Minister in 1996. Since then, she has served multiple terms, becoming a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s political arena.
Read more about Foreign Hands behind Shiekh Hasina Departure
Family Life
Sheikh Hasina was married to Dr. M. A. Wazed Miah, a distinguished nuclear scientist who passed away in 2009. They have two children, Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Saima Wazed Putul. Sajeeb Wazed Joy is notable in the tech sector and advises his mother on information and communication technology. Saima Wazed Putul is an advocate for autism awareness and serves as a World Health Organization (WHO) Goodwill Ambassador for Autism in South-East Asia.
Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has two children:
Sajeeb Wazed Joy: Born on July 27, 1971, Sajeeb is a prominent figure in the technology sector. He studied at Harvard University and later became an advisor to his mother on information and communication technology. Joy played a key role in implementing the “Digital Bangladesh” initiative, which aims to transform the country through technological advancements.
Saima Wazed Putul: Born on December 9, 1972, Saima is a renowned advocate for autism awareness. She is a licensed school psychologist and serves as a World Health Organization (WHO) Goodwill Ambassador for Autism in South-East Asia. Saima’s work focuses on improving the lives of people with neurodevelopmental disorders in Bangladesh and beyond.
Sheikh Hasina’s Controversies and Challenges
Hasina’s tenure has been marred by significant controversy. The latest unrest erupted over job quota reforms and expanded into broader anti-government protests. Her administration’s violent crackdown on protesters resulted in over 200 deaths and numerous injuries. Hasina condemned the protesters as “terrorists” and responded with widespread arrests and legal actions.