Sheikh Hasina is a leading political figure in Bangladesh, renowned for her leadership as the Prime Minister over multiple terms. Her tenure has seen significant economic growth, social development, and technological advancements in the country. Below is an in-depth biography of Sheikh Hasina, covering her personal life, family, education, political career, achievements, and more.
Bio Data Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sheikh Hasina Wazed |
| Date of Birth | September 28, 1947 |
| Place of Birth | Tungipara, Gopalganj District, Bangladesh |
| Nationality | Bangladeshi |
| Religion | Islam |
| Political Party | Bangladesh Awami League |
| Father | Sheikh Mujibur Rahman |
| Mother | Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib |
| Siblings | Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal, Sheikh Rehana, Sheikh Russel |
| Education | University of Dhaka (Bachelor of Arts, 1973) |
| Husband | Dr. M. A. Wazed Miah (deceased in 2009) |
| Marriage Date | November 17, 1967 |
| Children | Sajeeb Wazed, Saima Wazed |
| First Term as PM | 1996–2001 |
| Second Term as PM | 2009–2014 |
| Third Term as PM | 2014–2019 |
| Fourth Term as PM | 2019–present |
| Achievements | Economic Growth, Social Initiatives, Digital Bangladesh, Infrastructure Projects, Climate Change Initiatives |
| Awards | UNESCO Peace Tree Award, Indira Gandhi Prize, Mother Teresa Award, ITU Award, Global Women’s Leadership Award, South-South Cooperation Visionary Award |
| Controversies | Allegations of corruption, human rights violations, political suppression |
Personal Details
Sheikh Hasina was born into a politically prominent family in what was then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was a key figure in Bangladesh’s independence movement and became the country’s first president. Tragically, most of her family, including her father, mother, and three brothers, were assassinated in a military coup in 1975. Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana were abroad at the time and survived.
Family Background
Father: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (Founder of Bangladesh, first President and later Prime Minister)
Mother: Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib
Siblings:
- Sheikh Kamal (martyred in 1975)
- Sheikh Jamal (martyred in 1975)
- Sheikh Rehana
- Sheikh Russel (martyred in 1975)
Ancestry: Sheikh Hasina’s family is part of the prominent Sheikh-Wazed family, deeply rooted in Bangladesh’s political and cultural history.
Education
Primary Education: Attended schools in Dhaka and Tungipara
Secondary Education: Completed at Ajimpur Girls’ School in Dhaka
Higher Education: University of Dhaka (Graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts in Bengali Literature)
Political Career
Hasina’s political journey began in the wake of her family’s tragedy. She was elected president of the Bangladesh Awami League in 1981 while in exile. After returning to Bangladesh in 1981, she became a key opposition figure. Her party won the 1996 general election, making her Prime Minister for the first time.
Early Involvement: Actively involved in student politics at the University of Dhaka, supporting her father’s political movement
Exile: After the assassination of her father and most of her family members in 1975, she lived in exile in India and the UK until 1981
Return to Bangladesh: Returned in 1981 to lead the Awami League as its President
Prime Ministerial Terms:
- First Term (1996–2001): Focused on agricultural development, women’s empowerment, and infrastructure projects.
- Second Term (2009–2014): Initiated the “Digital Bangladesh” campaign, improved healthcare and education, and fostered economic growth.
- Third Term (2014–2019): Continued infrastructure development, expanded social safety nets, and enhanced international relations.
- Fourth Term (2019–present): Emphasized sustainable development, climate change resilience, and technological advancement.
Personal Life
Husband: Dr. M. A. Wazed Miah (Nuclear Scientist, deceased in 2009)
Marriage Date: November 17, 1967
Children:
- Son: Sajeeb Wazed (Advisor on Information and Communication Technology to the Prime Minister, educated at Harvard University and University of Texas at Arlington)
- Daughter: Saima Wazed (Psychologist, mental health advocate, and autism activist, educated at Barry University)
Achievements
- Economic Development: Oversaw significant economic growth, with Bangladesh achieving a higher GDP growth rate and becoming a lower-middle-income country.
- Social Initiatives: Implemented policies for women’s empowerment, education for all, healthcare improvements, and social safety nets.
- Digital Bangladesh: Championed the initiative to digitize the country, increasing access to technology and internet services.
- Infrastructure Projects: Launched and completed major projects, including the Padma Bridge, metro rail systems, and power plants.
- Climate Change Initiatives: Advocated for climate resilience, leading global discussions on climate change and disaster management.
Awards and Recognition
- UNESCO Peace Tree Award
- Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development
- Mother Teresa Award
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Award
- Global Women’s Leadership Award
- South-South Cooperation Visionary Award
Controversies
Sheikh Hasina’s political career has faced various challenges, including allegations of corruption, human rights violations, and political suppression. Despite these controversies, she and her party have consistently denied the allegations and have maintained strong political support.
Sheikh Hasina remains a pivotal figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape, steering the country towards greater progress and prosperity while facing and overcoming numerous challenges.
