Women's History Month: Sheikh Hasina
Unyielding.Undaunted.Unbeatable. Three words that can stand as synonyms for her, our honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a stunning distinctive individual.
Born in Tungipara, East Pakistan, Sheikh Hasina is the eldest daughter of the Founding Father and the first President of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. She concluded her education at the University of Dhaka in 1973. At Government Intermediate Girl’s College, she became the Vice President of the Student Union. During her time at Dhaka University, she was a member of the students League Unit of Dhaka University and Secretary of the Students League Unit of Rokeya Hall. Her father's political career influenced her life in both ways - one where she grew up in fear, the other got her to be very engaged in the mass movements. During Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's imprisonment, she maintained her association with politics; her family continued confinement in 1971, yet they actively participated in the uprising with the brave freedom fighters that led to independence.
Sheikh Hasina wedded M. A. Wazed Miah, a nuclear physicist, in 1968. On August 15, 1975, during the unfortunate assassination of most of her family members by members of the Bangladesh Army, she and her sister were in West Germany with her husband. Later in the same year, India provided her shelter in Delhi consequently, paying six years in self-exile. In 1981, her election as the President of the Bangladesh Awami League made her return to her homeland. Sheikh Hasina came back as more pronounced about her views regarding democracy which earned her house arrests in various circumstances.
Hasina became the Leader of the Opposition after acquiring three seats in the parliamentary election of 1986. She convicted the struggle of the military rule and persisted for fundamental human rights for every citizen. Subsequently, massive protests led Lieut. Gen. Hussain Mohammad Ershad to step down from power and generated a general election where Awami League emerged as the largest opposition party. Sheikh Hasina enlightened the people and pursued movements to confirm fair polls. Accordingly, numerous people of every field acknowledged her cry, and in 1996, after Awami League attained the majority, Sheikh Hasina graced the Prime Minister's office of a Parliamentary system in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina ratified various pragmatic strategies for the general advancement of the country.
Sheikh Hasina was bestowed upon innumerable honorary degrees from universities universally for her distinct contributions towards order, democracy, and gentlefolk. Equivalently, she received various esteemed awards from ubiquitous renowned establishments. Additionally, with her success in her political career, she has even penned numerous books.
Sheikh Hasina shone as the most sustained Prime Minister of Bangladesh, presently serving her fourth term.
Sheikh Hasina's life has gone through a raspy turbulent state, yet, she remained firm in her focus towards the amelioration for her people. She stands as the quintessential icon for women's empowerment in Bangladesh, where she proceeds to take initiatives regarding a women's state and unalienable rights in society. Sheikh Hasina stands as the vanguard for the people of Bangladesh manifesting her concerns for harmony, egalitarianism, improvement, and human rights.