Sheikh Hasina turns 77 today, on September 28, 2024. Happy Birthday, Sheikh Hasina. Let us wish her good health and strength.
However, it was a well-prepared, well-planned, and meticulously orchestrated operation involving billions of US dollars. A blueprint by the dreaded Western spy agency, the CIA, was carried out in collaboration with figures like Prof. Dr. Yunus, a close ally of the U.S., Jamaat-e-BNP, Pakistan’s notorious spy agency ISI, and some extreme right-wing elements, including so-called Islamists, the Bangladesh army chief, and his loyal cronies. This led to the illegal ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, 2024. She is currently in exile in India.
Sheikh Hasina is none other than the blessed daughter of Bangabandhu, the founding father of Bangladesh. Under her dynamic leadership, the country has experienced unprecedented all-round development. Every corner of Bangladesh has been touched by her efforts, creating impressive and transformative changes. Heartiest congratulations to her Highness!
Due to her tireless dedication to improving the lives of her people, many international observers have hailed her as the modern-day Joan of Arc. She may rightly be called the “Idol of the Masses.” As someone aptly said, “If Rabindranath Tagore is the poet of thought and reflection, and if Bangabandhu is the poet of politics, then Sheikh Hasina is the poetess of development.”
The first metro rail in Bangladesh, now fully operational in Dhaka, is a testament to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision. Bangladesh has thus entered another glorious chapter in its development journey. Upon the inauguration of the metro rail, Sheikh Hasina remarked that “another feather has been added to the crown of Bengali pride and Bangladesh’s progress.”
On the 14th anniversary of Digital Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (on December 12, 2022) announced the transformation of the country from “Digital” to “Smart Bangladesh” by 2041, a vision that is well underway. Comprehensive plans have been made for every level of society to ensure this transformation, setting the course for sustained progress from 2021 to 2041.
“We will make Bangladesh a developed country by 2041, and it will be a Smart Bangladesh,” she declared. The government has identified four pillars for achieving this goal: Smart Citizens, a Smart Economy, a Smart Government, and a Smart Society.
Through her engagement and re-engagement policies, Hasina’s government is opening new chapters in Bangladesh’s relations with the world, built on mutual respect and shared values. She has repeatedly vowed to lead Bangladesh into a more democratic era. Under her leadership, we are promised a new dawn—a bright future that will eliminate exploitation, unemployment, corruption, and crime. We hope this promise will be realized, especially in a time of uncertainty.
Sheikh Hasina has inspired people to make a difference, to be the change they want to see, to be kind, and to brighten each day with a smile. She has never backed down from a challenge, always keeping her head high during difficult times. Her perseverance is admired by all, and she remains a beacon of hope for the nation. She is indeed a master of politics in Bangladesh’s landscape.
However, her government has yet to embrace the decentralization of power. Currently, everything is concentrated in Dhaka, making the city increasingly unlivable. Administrative decentralization is urgently needed to improve the quality of life across the country.
Despite these challenges, Bangladesh’s track record of growth under Sheikh Hasina has fostered hope. Significant development has occurred in various sectors, but it requires careful management and nurturing. To sustain growth, robust investments, the development of human capital, and increased productivity are essential.
Under Prime Minister Hasina’s government, many infrastructure projects have been initiated. Several of these, termed “mega-projects,” have had substantial economic impacts. The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, for instance, is the largest megaproject in Bangladesh, with a capacity of 2400MW and an 80% completion rate at a cost of $12.65 billion. Upon completion, Bangladesh will join the elite group of 33 nuclear power-generating countries globally.
The Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar Rail Link is another ongoing fast-track project, which will boost tourism and trade in the region. The Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal-Fired Power Project, with a combined capacity of 1200MW, will meet the power demands of Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar, playing a crucial role in supporting Bangladesh’s economic zones.
Other major projects include the construction of the third terminal at Shahjalal International Airport, the Payra Sea Port, the Japanese Economic Zone in Narayanganj, and the Mirsarai Economic Zone in Chattogram. These projects are all set to bolster Bangladesh’s economic future.
The Padma Bridge, a 6.1 km long structure connecting Dhaka with 21 southern districts, has opened a new chapter in the country’s economic development, symbolizing Bangladesh’s rise as a role model for developing nations.
Despite limited resources and numerous challenges, Bangladesh has made remarkable economic and social progress over the past 50 years. Its GDP has grown impressively, and the country is on track to achieve even greater heights. In 2021, Bangladesh fulfilled all the criteria to graduate from a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a developing nation, with full graduation set for 2026. By 2031, Sheikh Hasina aims to elevate Bangladesh to an upper-middle-income country, and by 2041, a fully developed nation.
To achieve this vision, Bangladesh must continue investing in human resources to propel the nation towards its “Golden Bangladesh 2041” goal—an ambitious plan that seeks to position Bangladesh among the world’s top economies.
Sheikh Hasina is an admirable figure who has not used her political power for personal enrichment. She will be remembered in history as a great stateswoman for her tireless dedication to her people.
Finally, it’s an honor to be able to share in her birthday celebrations. Sheikh Hasina is one of the greatest political minds of our time. We thank her for being an inspiration and for her remarkable leadership. May her birthday serve as a reminder of the power of perseverance, hard work, and dedication to achieving a better Bangladesh.
Happy Birthday once again, Sheikh Hasina.
