Hing Ting Chot! Ong Bong Chhong! The story of Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership is one of unparalleled transformation. Few leaders in history have redefined the trajectory of their nations as decisively as Hasina has. Her tenure, marked by monumental infrastructure, groundbreaking policies, and an unyielding commitment to development, has catapulted Bangladesh into a new era. Yet, this golden age has been met with an unexpected and disheartening betrayal, as the very people who reaped the rewards of her leadership played a role in her displacement.
The sheer scale of Sheikh Hasina’s achievements reads like an exhaustive list of what most nations would dream of accomplishing over decades. The Padma Bridge, perhaps the crown jewel of her tenure, was a testament to her resilience and resolve. Despite international scepticism and funding challenges, she pushed forward, delivering a bridge that not only connects regions but symbolises the unyielding spirit of Bangladesh.
Hasina also revolutionised urban connectivity through the Dhaka Metro Rail, a first for the nation. This project, along with the Bangabandhu Tunnel—a marvel running under the Karnaphuli River—has redefined the way people travel and conduct business. Add to this the construction of hundreds of kilometres of new railways, elevated expressways, and the expansion of highways with additional lanes, and it becomes clear that she has set the foundation for a modern, interconnected Bangladesh.
In energy, her government took Bangladesh from a power generation capacity of a mere 3,000 megawatts to one capable of sustaining a growing industrial economy. Projects like the Ruppur Atomic Power Plant, nearing completion, signal a bold step into clean and sustainable energy. Her efforts in the digital sphere, referred to as the Digital Bangladesh revolution, have transformed lives in the remotest corners of the country, enabling villagers to connect directly with global markets and bridging the urban-rural divide.
Her focus extended to education and social development. Each year, 35 crore free textbooks were delivered to students in record time, ensuring education for all. The establishment of new public universities and medical colleges has created unprecedented opportunities for higher education and healthcare access. Projects like the Jamuna Railway Bridge, almost completed, and the development of railway connections to tourist hubs like Cox’s Bazar and strategic locations like Jessore, further showcase her vision for an integrated nation.
Economically, Bangladesh under Hasina’s leadership experienced a meteoric rise. From a GDP of $60 billion at the beginning of her tenure, the nation now boasts a GDP of $460 billion. The per capita income surged, and the country ascended to the ranks of developing nations. Foreign currency reserves swelled, and exports reached new heights, even amidst global crises like COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war. The poverty rate plummeted from 41% to 18%, with projections suggesting poverty could have been eradicated had she remained in power longer.
Her government didn’t stop there. Housing projects provided shelter to countless homeless families, while agricultural and fisheries production was multiplied to ensure food security. In the face of devastating floods and natural disasters, her leadership showcased unparalleled resilience and disaster management capabilities. Even bold initiatives like the experimental oil release from ships in the deep sea were undertaken, marking Bangladesh’s entry into a new era of resource utilisation.
Hasina’s foreign policy achievements were equally significant. She resolved the enclave issue with India, ensuring a peaceful settlement of long-standing territorial disputes. In international courts, she secured large areas of the Bay of Bengal for Bangladesh, asserting the nation’s sovereignty and unlocking marine resources for future generations.
But despite these extraordinary accomplishments, Sheikh Hasina faced mounting challenges. Criticisms of governance, particularly her inability to foster a clear successor, have created uncertainty about the future of her development agenda. Her “carrot and chop” approach to political management, while effective in the short term, has fostered a generation of individuals who lack the values of inclusivity and democracy.
The final blow came in August 2024, when Hasina’s government was toppled in what many describe as an externally orchestrated coup. Reports suggest that Western powers, led by the United States, sought to establish a military base in the Bay of Bengal but met resistance from Hasina, who refused to compromise Bangladesh’s sovereignty. This refusal, compounded by internal machinations involving local opposition forces, the Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan’s ISI, and other stakeholders, culminated in her forced removal.
The aftermath has been grim. The interim government, dominated by reactionary and extremist factions, has rolled back many of Hasina’s initiatives. Violence against religious minorities, vandalism, and widespread chaos have tarnished the fabric of Bangladesh. Temples, homes, and communities have been targeted in a way that echoes the darkest days of 1971.
Sheikh Hasina’s story is one of unparalleled courage and determination. Like Joan of Arc, she stood firm against overwhelming odds, altering the course of her nation’s history. Her legacy is not just one of development but of resilience—a beacon of hope for those who believe in the power of leadership to uplift a nation.
The betrayal she faced underscores the complexities of politics in a nation still finding its footing on the global stage. Yet, history will remember Sheikh Hasina as the architect of modern Bangladesh. Her reign, despite its imperfections, was a golden era that transformed lives, reshaped landscapes, and gave a nation hope for a better tomorrow.
Victory to Bangladesh! Hail Bangabandhu! Sheikh Hasina is, and will forever be, the marvel of Bangladesh’s development—a leader who dared to dream and had the courage to make those dreams a reality.
“If Rabindranath Tagore is the poet of reflection and thoughts, and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman the poet of politics, then Sheikh Hasina is the poet of development.”
She is, indeed, the modern-day Joan of Arc.
