Full History Of Sheikh Hasina In Timeline From 1938

1938: Rokeya Hall is founded

Rokeya Hall, the women's dormitory of Dhaka University, was founded in 1938 and later named after feminist Begum Rokeya. Sheikh Hasina lived there during her time at the university.

September 1947: Sheikh Hasina Wazed is born

Sheikh Hasina Wazed was born on September 28, 1947. She is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who would go on to become the founding father and first president of Bangladesh.

1954: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman becomes a government minister

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina's father, became a government minister in 1954. During this time, the family resided at 3 Minto Road.

1966: Sheikh Hasina is elected Vice President of the Eden College Student Union

From 1966 to 1967, Sheikh Hasina served as the Vice President of the Students Union at Eden College.

1967: Sheikh Hasina marries M.A. Wazed Miah

Sheikh Hasina married M.A. Wazed Miah, a Bengali nuclear scientist with a doctorate in physics from Durham, in 1967.

1971: Bangladesh becomes an independent country

Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971.

1971: Bangladesh Genocide Investigations

During her term, Sheikh Hasina's government established the International Crimes Tribunal to investigate and prosecute suspects involved in the 1971 Bangladesh Genocide.

1971: Prosecution of 1971 War Criminals

The Awami League pledged to prosecute war criminals from the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War as part of their election manifesto.

1973: Sheikh Hasina graduates from Dhaka University

Sheikh Hasina graduated from Dhaka University with a degree in Bengali Literature in 1973.

August 1975: Assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Hasina's exile to India

On August 15, 1975, a coup in Bangladesh resulted in the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of Sheikh Hasina's immediate family. Hasina, her husband, her children, and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, were visiting Europe at the time and escaped the massacre. They initially sought refuge in the Bangladeshi ambassador's residence in West Germany and later accepted political asylum from Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, living in exile in New Delhi for six years.

February 1981: Sheikh Hasina is elected President of the Awami League

While in exile in India, Sheikh Hasina was elected President of the Awami League on February 16, 1981.

May 1981: Sheikh Hasina returns to Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina returned to Bangladesh on May 17, 1981, after being barred from entering the country by Ziaur Rahman's military government. Thousands of Awami League supporters welcomed her back.

1981: Sheikh Hasina becomes President of the Awami League

Sheikh Hasina assumed leadership of the Awami League, a center-left political party, as its president in 1981.

1984: Sheikh Hasina faces house arrest multiple times

Sheikh Hasina experienced multiple instances of house arrest throughout 1984, facing confinement in February and again in November.

March 1985: Sheikh Hasina is placed under house arrest

Sheikh Hasina was placed under house arrest in March 1985 for three months by the Bangladeshi government.

1986: Sheikh Hasina participates in the general election

Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League participated in the 1986 Bangladeshi general election, which was held under President Hussain Muhammad Ershad's rule.

December 1987: Ershad dissolves parliament leading to mass uprisings

In December 1987, President Hussain Muhammad Ershad dissolved the Bangladeshi parliament. Hasina and her party, the Awami League, had resigned to call for fresh elections under a neutral government. This led to mass protests in Dhaka, resulting in the death of several individuals, including Noor Hossain, an Awami League activist and supporter of Hasina.

December 1990: Ershad Ousted from Power

In December 1990, after widespread protests and strikes, autocratic ruler Ershad resigned. Hasina, alongside Khaleda Zia, played a key role in organizing the opposition. Ershad's resignation led to a caretaker government and new general elections.

1991: Post-Ershad Democratic Restoration

Since the post-Ershad democratic restoration in 1991, the BNP and its alliance have been significantly weakened, especially after their poor performance in the 2014 election.

1991: BNP wins the parliamentary general election

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) emerged victorious in the 1991 parliamentary general election.

1991: Sheikh Hasina loses election to Khaleda Zia

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Khaleda Zia, won the 1991 general election, defeating Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League.

1994: Awami League Boycotts Parliament

Following a controversial by-election in Magura-2 in 1994, which the Awami League believed was rigged, Hasina led her party in boycotting the parliament.

1995: Opposition Resigns, Leading to Boycotted Election

In 1995, opposition parties, including the Awami League, launched strikes and ultimately resigned from parliament. This led to a general election in February 1996, boycotted by all major parties except the ruling BNP, resulting in a parliament entirely composed of BNP members.

February 1996: Boycotted General Election

The February 1996 general election, boycotted by all major opposition parties, resulted in the ruling BNP winning all seats in parliament. Hasina described the election as a farce.

June 1996: Sheikh Hasina becomes Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the first time

After collaborating with Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) against Hussain Muhammad Ershad's autocratic regime, Hasina, leading the Awami League, lost the 1991 election to Zia. In June 1996, following Zia's resignation and a period of political turmoil, Hasina became the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

June 1996: Hasina's First Term as Prime Minister

Hasina's first term as Prime Minister began in June 1996 and lasted until July 2001.

June 1996: General Election Under Caretaker Government

Held under a neutral caretaker government, the June 1996 general election saw the Awami League win a plurality but not a majority. Despite accusations of rigging by the BNP, neutral observers deemed the election free and fair.

December 1997: Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord

Hasina's administration signed the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord in December 1997, bringing an end to the insurgency in the Chittagong Division. This achievement earned Hasina the UNESCO Peace Prize.

December 1997: Reserved Seats for Women in Union Parishad Elections

In December 1997, Hasina's government introduced three reserved seats for women in all Union Parishad elections.

1997: Alleged Bribery in Power Plant Contract

In 1997, Sheikh Hasina allegedly accepted a bribe of 30 million takas to award a power plant construction contract, disregarding the lowest bidder.

1997: Fifth Five-Year Plan Implemented

The Hasina government implemented the Fifth Five-Year Plan from 1997 to 2002, focusing on poverty reduction programs and economic growth.

1998: Bangabandhu Bridge Completion

Hasina's government completed the Bangabandhu Bridge mega project in 1998.

1998: Alleged Bribery in Power Plant Project

In 1998, Sheikh Hasina allegedly demanded and received bribes from businessman Tajul Islam Farooq in exchange for approving his power plant project.

1999: National Plan of Action for Children Approved

Hasina's cabinet approved the National Plan of Action for Children in 1999, prioritizing children's rights and well-being.

1999: New Industrial Policy Introduced

In 1999, Hasina's government launched the New Industrial Policy (NIP) to stimulate private sector growth and encourage economic development.

July 2001: End of Hasina's First Term

Hasina's first term as Prime Minister ended in July 2001.

July 2001: Sheikh Hasina's first term as Prime Minister ends

Sheikh Hasina's first term as Prime Minister of Bangladesh ended in July 2001 after a full five-year term, marking the first time a Bangladeshi Prime Minister had served a complete term since the country's independence in 1971. Zia succeeded Hasina after winning the election.

2001: Awami League Loses General Election

In the 2001 general election, despite securing 40% of the popular vote, the Awami League won only 62 seats. Hasina and the AL alleged rigging, but the international community largely accepted the results.

2002: Conclusion of Fifth Five-Year Plan

The Hasina government's Fifth Five-Year Plan concluded in 2002.

2003: Awami League Initiates Anti-Government Movement

The Awami League launched its first major anti-government movement in late 2003, with party general secretary Abdul Jolil predicting the government's fall by April 2004.

April 2004: Predicted Fall of Government

The Awami League had predicted the government's fall by April 2004 during their anti-government movement.

May 2004: Ahsanullah Master Assassinated

Awami League MP Ahsanullah Master was shot and killed in May 2004, marking a period of heightened political unrest and violence.

June 2005: Awami League Wins Chittagong Mayoral Election

In June 2005, the Awami League secured a significant victory in the Chittagong mayoral election, with incumbent A. B. M. Mohiuddin Chowdhury winning. This election was seen as a contest of strength between the opposition and the ruling party.

October 2006: End of Khaleda Zia's Government and Political Unrest

Following the end of Khaleda Zia's government in October 2006, Bangladesh experienced significant political unrest and protests, resulting in 40 deaths due to uncertainty over the leadership of the caretaker government.

October 2006: Killing of Rival Party Supporters

In October 2006, four supporters of a political party opposing the Awami League were beaten to death during clashes between activists from the two parties.

October 2006: Logi Boitha Movement

Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League initiated the Logi Boitha Movement in October 2006, during which thousands of Awami League supporters occupied streets in Dhaka, leading to casualties, vandalism, looting, and a surge in prices of essential goods.

2006: Beginning of the 2006-2008 political crisis

The 2006-2008 political crisis in Bangladesh begins, during which Hasina was detained on extortion charges.

January 2007: Withdrawal of Grand Alliance Candidates from Elections

In January 2007, the Grand Alliance, led by the Awami League, withdrew its candidates from the upcoming parliamentary elections after Ershad's nomination was revoked due to a corruption conviction. They demanded the publication of a voters' roll.

January 2007: Political Unrest and Controversy Surrounding Elections

The months leading up to the scheduled January 2007 elections in Bangladesh were marked by political unrest and controversy stemming from the uncertainty surrounding the caretaker government's leadership and allegations of bias from the Awami League.

March 2007: Sheikh Hasina's Visit to the United States and United Kingdom

On March 14, 2007, Sheikh Hasina, accompanied by colleagues, visited the US embassy and flew to the United States the following day. After visiting her children, she proceeded to the United Kingdom.

April 2007: Graft and Extortion Charges Against Sheikh Hasina

In April 2007, during the 2006-2008 political crisis, the military-backed caretaker government charged Sheikh Hasina with graft and extortion. She was accused of forcing businessman Tajul Islam Farooq to pay bribes in 1998 to secure approval for a power plant project.

April 2007: Sheikh Hasina Barred from Returning to Bangladesh and Subsequent Arrest Warrant

In April 2007, the Bangladesh government prevented Sheikh Hasina from returning to the country, citing concerns about potential disorder caused by her provocative statements. Despite the ban, which was described as temporary, an arrest warrant for murder was issued against her on April 22, 2007. Hasina maintained her innocence and expressed her intent to defend herself in court. The arrest warrant was suspended on April 23, 2007, and the entry ban was lifted on April 25, 2007.

April 2007: Murder Charges Against Sheikh Hasina

While Sheikh Hasina was in the United States in April 2007, Bangladeshi police filed murder charges against her, alleging that she orchestrated the killing of four supporters of a rival political party during clashes in October 2006.

May 2007: Chargesheet Filed Against Awami League Members

In May 2007, police filed charges against 19 Awami League members for vandalizing and setting fire to the Islamic Social Welfare Council office. However, they were all acquitted in June 2011.

May 2007: Sheikh Hasina Returns to Bangladesh

On May 7, 2007, after spending 51 days in the United States and the United Kingdom, Sheikh Hasina returned to Dhaka, where she was greeted by thousands of supporters. She criticized the government for delaying her return.

July 2007: Arrest and Detention of Sheikh Hasina

On July 16, 2007, Sheikh Hasina was arrested at her home in Dhaka and brought before a local court. Accused of extortion and denied bail, she was detained in a building within the National Parliament complex that had been converted into a jail. The Awami League denounced the arrest as politically motivated. The following day, the Anti-Corruption Commission issued notices to both Hasina and Khaleda Zia, demanding details of their assets within a week.

July 2007: Suspension of Extortion Trial and Release on Bail

On July 30, 2007, the High Court of Bangladesh suspended Sheikh Hasina's extortion trial and granted her bail, leading to her release from detention.

September 2007: Additional Graft Case Filed Against Sheikh Hasina

In September 2007, the Anti-Corruption Commission filed an additional case against Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of accepting a bribe of 30 million takas in 1997 in exchange for awarding a power plant construction contract, bypassing the lowest bidder. Six others were also implicated in the case. A separate graft case was filed against Khaleda Zia on the same day.

January 2008: Indictment on Extortion Charges and Trial Halt

On January 13, 2008, a special court indicted Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and her cousin Sheikh Selim on extortion charges. However, on February 6, the High Court halted the trial, ruling that emergency laws could not be used to prosecute her for alleged crimes committed before the state of emergency was imposed.

June 2008: Parole and Medical Treatment in the United States

On June 11, 2008, Sheikh Hasina was granted parole for medical reasons and flew to the United States the next day to receive treatment for hearing impairment, eye problems, and high blood pressure. Her personal physician, Syed Modasser Ali, threatened legal action against the caretaker government, alleging negligence in her medical care during her detention.

November 2008: Return to Bangladesh for General Election

Sheikh Hasina returned to Bangladesh on November 6, 2008, to participate in the general election scheduled for December 29. She decided to contest the election under the banner of the "Grand Alliance," which included the Jatiya Party, led by Hussain Muhammad Ershad, as its primary partner.

December 2008: Announcement of Election Manifesto and "Digital Bangladesh" Vision

On December 11, 2008, Sheikh Hasina formally unveiled her party's election manifesto during a news conference. The manifesto outlined her vision to transform Bangladesh into a "Digital Bangladesh" by 2021.

2008: Awami League's 2008 Poll Success

In 2008, Sheikh Hasina's Awami League won a significant victory in the general elections, securing 263 parliamentary seats.

2008: Sheikh Hasina wins the general election

Sheikh Hasina won the 2008 general election in Bangladesh after being released from jail following the 2006-2008 political crisis.

2008: Awami League's Victory in General Election

The Awami League and its Grand Alliance partners secured a resounding victory in the 2008 general election, winning a two-thirds majority in parliament with 230 out of 299 seats. Independent observers characterized the elections as peaceful and festive, but Khaleda Zia, leader of the opposing BNP-led coalition, contested the results, accusing the Chief Election Commissioner of manipulation.

January 2009: Sheikh Hasina returns as Prime Minister of Bangladesh

After being detained on extortion charges during the 2006-2008 political crisis, Hasina was released from jail. Following her release, she participated in the 2008 election and emerged victorious, marking her return as Prime Minister of Bangladesh in January 2009.

January 2009: Sheikh Hasina's Second Term as Prime Minister

On January 6, 2009, Sheikh Hasina was sworn in for her second term as Prime Minister of Bangladesh following the Awami League's victory in the 2008 general election.

2009: Economic Conditions in 2009

In 2009, Bangladesh's banking sector saw the amount of default loans amount to less than ৳23000 crore (US$2.0 billion), highlighting the economic conditions at the time.

2009: Bangladesh Rifles Revolt

In 2009, Sheikh Hasina faced a major national crisis due to the Bangladesh Rifles revolt over pay disputes, which led to 56 deaths, including Bangladesh Army officers. She was criticized for not intervening decisively in the early stages of the revolt.

2009: Awami League's Rule Since 2009

Since 2009, Sheikh Hasina's Awami League has been ruling Bangladesh, continuing through her second-consecutive term starting from the 2014 election.

June 2011: Acquittal of Awami League Members

In June 2011, 19 Awami League members who were charged with vandalizing the Islamic Social Welfare Council office in May 2007 were acquitted by the court.

2011: Economic Conditions in 2011

In 2011, Bangladesh experienced significant economic changes, including a rise in external debt and banking sector irregularities.

2011: Non-Party Caretaker Government Law Removed

In 2011, the parliament, under Sheikh Hasina's leadership, removed the law requiring a non-party caretaker government to hold elections.

July 2012: Allegations of Corruption and World Bank Loan Cancellation

In July 2012, the Awami League government, led by Sheikh Hasina, faced allegations of corruption concerning the Padma Bridge project. The World Bank subsequently withdrew its funding, cancelling a significant credit line. The allegations led to the resignation of Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain, who was later cleared of any wrongdoing.

2012: Conflict with Muhammad Yunus

In 2012, Sheikh Hasina had a falling out with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus after a documentary critical of his financial practices led to increased scrutiny and his eventual removal from Grameen Bank.

2012: Rohingya Refugees Denied Entry

In 2012, Sheikh Hasina's government refused to allow Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar during the Rakhine State riots to enter Bangladesh, maintaining a hard-line stance on the issue.

2012: Coup Attempt Thwarted

In 2012, a coup attempt against Sheikh Hasina by mid-ranking army officers was stopped, thanks to a tip-off from Indian intelligence. The conspirators were described as Islamist extremists by the Bangladesh Army.

June 2013: Case Lodged at ICC

On 27 June 2013, a case was lodged against Sheikh Hasina and 24 other Bangladeshi officials at the International Criminal Court for alleged human rights violations.

2013: Target for Increased Power Generation

The Awami League's manifesto included a goal to increase power generation capacity to 7,000 megawatts by 2013 as part of their long-term policy for the power and energy sector.

2014: Second-Consecutive Term Secured

In 2014, Sheikh Hasina secured a second-consecutive term in office as her Awami League won the general election by a landslide, despite a boycott by leading opposition parties.

2014: BNP's Poor Performance in 2014 Election

In 2014, the BNP, the main opposition party, boycotted the general election and subsequently fared poorly, winning only eight seats.

2014: Sheikh Hasina is re-elected for a third term

Sheikh Hasina secured her third term as Prime Minister of Bangladesh in the 2014 election. However, the election was boycotted by the BNP and drew criticism from international observers.

2015: Sheikh Hasina listed as one of Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Women

Sheikh Hasina was recognized as one of the 100 most powerful women in the world by Forbes in 2015.

January 2016: Sheikh Hasina's Statement on World Bank Loan Cancellation

In January 2016, Sheikh Hasina publicly stated that a managing director of a US bank had instigated the World Bank to cancel the loan for the Padma Bridge project, attributing the cancellation to external influence.

July 2016: July 2016 Dhaka Attack

In July 2016, Bangladesh experienced its deadliest Islamist attack in Dhaka, highlighting the rise of extremist violence in the country under Sheikh Hasina's government.

January 2017: Sheikh Hasina Accuses Muhammad Yunus of Lobbying Against Padma Bridge Loan

In a parliamentary address in January 2017, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accused Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus of playing a role in the World Bank's decision to withdraw funding for the Padma Bridge project. She alleged that Yunus had lobbied with former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to influence the World Bank's decision.

February 2017: Bribery-Conspiracy Case Dismissed

In February 2017, a Superior Court of Ontario justice dismissed a bribery-conspiracy case related to the Padma Bridge project. The dismissal was due to a lack of evidence, further fueling the debate surrounding the project's funding controversy.

March 2017: Commissioning of First Submarines

In March 2017, Bangladesh commissioned its first two submarines, marking a significant milestone for the country's naval capabilities.

September 2017: Aid to Rohingya Refugees

In September 2017, Sheikh Hasina's government granted refuge and aid to around a million Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Myanmar, earning her praise for her humanitarian actions.

2017: Rohingya refugee crisis

In 2017, Bangladesh experienced an influx of nearly a million Rohingya refugees fleeing genocide in Myanmar. Sheikh Hasina's government received praise for providing refuge and assistance to the Rohingya population.

October 2018: Verdict in 2004 Grenade Attack Case

In October 2018, a special court delivered guilty verdicts in the case of the 2004 grenade attack on an Awami League rally. The attack, which killed 24 people, was deemed a planned act using state power.

2018: Digital Security Act Passed

In 2018, Sheikh Hasina's government passed the Digital Security Act. The law, met with widespread criticism both domestically and internationally, criminalized online and media content deemed inappropriate by the government. Critics argued that the law stifled freedom of speech and press freedom in Bangladesh.

2018: Sheikh Hasina wins fourth term in a controversial election

Sheikh Hasina won a fourth term as Prime Minister in the 2018 Bangladeshi general election. However, the election was widely criticized for violence and allegations of fraud.

2019: Banking Sector Irregularities in 2019

In 2019, the amount of default loans in Bangladesh's banking sector soared to more than ৳250000 crore (US$21 billion), indicating massive irregularities.

May 2021: Inaugural Address for Dak Bhaban

In May 2021, Sheikh Hasina provided the inaugural address for the opening of the new headquarters for the Bangladesh Post Office, urging further development of the postal service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: Bangladesh's External Debt in 2021

By the end of fiscal year 2021-22, Bangladesh's external debt reached $95.86 billion, a significant increase from previous years.

2021: Reporters Without Borders criticizes Hasina's media policy

In 2021, Reporters Without Borders issued a negative assessment of Sheikh Hasina's media policy, highlighting a decline in press freedom in Bangladesh since 2014.

2021: Vision 2021

The Awami League's manifesto, "A Charter for Change," outlined the party's commitment to "Vision 2021." Key pledges included addressing price hikes, combating corruption, strengthening the energy sector, promoting agriculture, ensuring good governance, prosecuting war criminals from 1971, reforming the judiciary and electoral system, and empowering the Human Rights Commission.

January 2022: Universal Pension Scheme Established

In January 2022, the Bangladeshi government passed a law establishing the Universal Pension Scheme, allowing all citizens between 18 and 60 to receive a monthly stipend.

February 2022: Closure of Dainik Dinkal Newspaper

Dhaka district authorities ordered the closure of the Dainik Dinkal newspaper, owned by Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), in February 2022. The newspaper appealed the decision, but the Bangladesh Press Council dismissed their appeal, leading to its closure. The government alleged violations of the Printing Presses and Publications Act, while critics viewed the closure as politically motivated.

June 2022: Inauguration of the Padma Bridge

The Padma Bridge, a significant infrastructure project in Bangladesh, was inaugurated in June 2022. The bridge, constructed with the government's own funds after the World Bank loan cancellation, came at a much higher cost than initially projected.

July 2022: Request for IMF Assistance

In July 2022, Bangladesh's Finance Ministry requested fiscal assistance from the International Monetary Fund due to depleting foreign-exchange reserves.

November 2022: IMF Staff Level Agreement

In November 2022, a staff level agreement was reached with the IMF to supply a support program for Bangladesh.

December 2022: Anti-Government Protests

In December 2022, anti-government protests broke out in Bangladesh, linked to rising costs and demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

December 2022: Closure of Websites Accused of "Anti-State News"

In December 2022, the Sheikh Hasina government ordered the shutdown of 191 websites accused of disseminating "anti-state news." The government cited intelligence reports as justification for the move, which drew criticism from opposition groups who viewed it as an attempt to suppress dissent.

2022: Sheikh Hasina listed as one of Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Women

Sheikh Hasina was again recognized as one of the 100 most powerful women in the world by Forbes in 2022.

January 2023: IMF Support Package Agreement

In January 2023, the IMF agreed to a support program for Bangladesh totaling US$4.7 billion, aimed at preserving macroeconomic stability and fostering inclusive growth.

2023: G20 New Delhi Summit

In 2023, Sheikh Hasina attended the G20 New Delhi summit, where she held bilateral meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed diversifying cooperation between India and Bangladesh.

June 2024: State Visit to India and Rail Corridor Agreement

Sheikh Hasina's state visit to New Delhi in June 2024 resulted in the signing of several bilateral agreements, including one granting India a rail corridor through Bangladesh to its northeastern states. The agreement sparked widespread criticism in Bangladesh, with accusations that Hasina was compromising the country's sovereignty for closer ties with India.

July 2024: Protests for Quota System Reform

In July 2024, protests broke out in Bangladesh in support of reforming the quota system, prompting a response from Sheikh Hasina.

August 2024: Sheikh Hasina's Secret Location

As of 6 August 2024, Sheikh Hasina is living in a secret location within India under tight security.

August 2024: Sheikh Hasina's premiership ends after a series of protests

Sheikh Hasina's time as Prime Minister ended in August 2024 after a series of violent protests led her to step down, resulting in a self-imposed exile.

2024: Sheikh Hasina wins fifth term in a controversial election

The 2024 Bangladeshi general election saw Sheikh Hasina secure her fifth term as Prime Minister. However, the election was widely criticized as fraudulent and marked by violence.