Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina Wazed, once hailed as a pro-democracy icon, has become an autocrat under her 15-year rule. Her government has been accused of widespread human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings.
Hasina, who took power in 1996 after the assassination of her father, the country's first president, began as a champion of democracy and multi-party politics. However, she gradually consolidated power, using repressive measures to silence opposition and critics.
The government has been accused of restricting freedom of speech, harassing journalists, and arresting activists, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who was jailed on more than 100 charges that his supporters say were politically motivated.
Despite her initial popularity, Hasina's rule has become increasingly authoritarian. Her government has been criticized for its handling of civil service quotas, which sparked mass protests in 2024, and for its role in fueling inflation and mismanaging the economy.
The protests against civil service quotas came as Bangladesh struggled with the escalating costs of living in the wake of the pandemic. Inflation skyrocketed, foreign exchange reserves dropped precipitously, and foreign debt doubled since 2016. Critics blamed this on Hasina's government, claiming that her policies only benefited those close to her.
In August 2024, after mass protests against her rule, Hasina fled by helicopter, sparking widespread violence in Dhaka. Her departure marked a turning point in Bangladesh's history, with the country plunged into nationwide unrest and uncertainty about its future.
Last month, a special tribunal in Dhaka sentenced Hasina to death on charges of crimes against humanity, after convicting her of ordering a deadly crackdown on protesters between July 15 and August 5. However, she denies all charges and called the trial a "farce."
The verdict marks a significant milestone in Bangladesh's ongoing struggle with authoritarianism under Hasina's rule. The country's future remains uncertain as it grapples with the consequences of its most tumultuous period since independence in 1971.
As Bangladesh navigates its complex politics, it is unclear whether the country will return to democratic principles or remain on a path of authoritarianism under Hasina's leadership. One thing is certain: the legacy of Sheikh Hasina Wazed has become synonymous with the complexities and challenges of modern democracy in South Asia.
Hasina, who took power in 1996 after the assassination of her father, the country's first president, began as a champion of democracy and multi-party politics. However, she gradually consolidated power, using repressive measures to silence opposition and critics.
The government has been accused of restricting freedom of speech, harassing journalists, and arresting activists, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who was jailed on more than 100 charges that his supporters say were politically motivated.
Despite her initial popularity, Hasina's rule has become increasingly authoritarian. Her government has been criticized for its handling of civil service quotas, which sparked mass protests in 2024, and for its role in fueling inflation and mismanaging the economy.
The protests against civil service quotas came as Bangladesh struggled with the escalating costs of living in the wake of the pandemic. Inflation skyrocketed, foreign exchange reserves dropped precipitously, and foreign debt doubled since 2016. Critics blamed this on Hasina's government, claiming that her policies only benefited those close to her.
In August 2024, after mass protests against her rule, Hasina fled by helicopter, sparking widespread violence in Dhaka. Her departure marked a turning point in Bangladesh's history, with the country plunged into nationwide unrest and uncertainty about its future.
Last month, a special tribunal in Dhaka sentenced Hasina to death on charges of crimes against humanity, after convicting her of ordering a deadly crackdown on protesters between July 15 and August 5. However, she denies all charges and called the trial a "farce."
The verdict marks a significant milestone in Bangladesh's ongoing struggle with authoritarianism under Hasina's rule. The country's future remains uncertain as it grapples with the consequences of its most tumultuous period since independence in 1971.
As Bangladesh navigates its complex politics, it is unclear whether the country will return to democratic principles or remain on a path of authoritarianism under Hasina's leadership. One thing is certain: the legacy of Sheikh Hasina Wazed has become synonymous with the complexities and challenges of modern democracy in South Asia.
. I mean, they were really hopeful when she took office all those years ago... like a real pro-democracy icon 
. But now it's just super scary for people who don't agree with her 
. Like, free speech and journalists being harassed? No way! 
That can't be right in a country that's supposed to value democracy.
. It's like, where is their freedom of speech going? What happened to all those promises of democracy and multi-party politics? 
. I just hope that people in power will listen and make some real changes 
.
. it's crazy how power corrupts, right? 15 years is a looong time to be in charge... maybe it's time for a change, but I guess only time will tell 
. anywayz, the fact that she's facing death penalty for crimes against humanity is pretty intense... fingers crossed justice is served 
.
. Can't have one person holding that much power, it's just not fair 
.