Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, known for her autocratic rule and suppression of dissent, has won a fourth consecutive term in a controversial election boycotted by the opposition. The election, marked by low voter turnout, has further solidified Hasina’s grip on power and sparked concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has a long history in politics. She first served as prime minister in 1996 but lost to her political rival, Khaleda Zia, five years later. Both leaders were imprisoned on corruption charges in 2007, but the charges were dropped, and they were able to contest the following year’s election. Hasina emerged victorious, winning by a landslide, and has remained in power ever since.
However, as her rule continued, Hasina’s regime became increasingly autocratic. Her tenure has been characterized by mass arrests of political opponents, activists, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. Human rights groups have raised concerns about the lack of political freedom and the establishment of a virtual one-party rule under Hasina’s Awami League.
The recent election saw the opposition demanding Hasina’s resignation and the appointment of a neutral authority to oversee the election process. The opposition accused Hasina of instigating antigovernment protests, leading to violence that claimed the lives of at least 14 people. Hasina, however, refused to step down and dismissed the opposition’s claims, emphasizing that the election’s credibility lies in the acceptance of the people of Bangladesh.
Critics argue that Hasina’s continued hold on power is not based on popular support but rather on repression. Asif Nazrul, a professor of law at Dhaka University, described Hasina as a “shrewd” politician who has established complete autocracy under the guise of democracy. Nazrul pointed out that the low voter turnout in the recent election proves a lack of support for Hasina and her party.
Despite criticism of her leadership style, Hasina has been praised by supporters for leading Bangladesh through an economic boom. The country, once one of the world’s poorest, has experienced substantial economic growth, driven largely by its garment export industry. Poverty rates have decreased, and access to electricity has improved significantly. Hasina has also gained international acclaim for providing refuge to Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar’s military crackdown in 2017 and for cracking down on hardline Muslim groups.
However, her intolerance towards dissent has raised concerns both domestically and internationally. The United States has imposed sanctions on Bangladesh’s security forces and top officers for human rights abuses. Additionally, the economy has been hit by the Russia-Ukraine war, resulting in soaring fuel and food prices. Bangladesh had to seek a $4.7 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund, and inflation rates have reached historic highs.
As Hasina begins her fourth term, all eyes will be on how she addresses the challenges of upholding democracy and tackling economic issues. Critics argue that she has managed to navigate global and regional pressures effectively, maintaining good relations with China, India, and Russia, which have supported her government. However, concerns remain about the future of democracy under her leadership.
In conclusion, Sheikh Hasina’s victory in the controversial election solidifies her autocratic rule in Bangladesh. While supporters praise her for leading the country through an economic boom and addressing security concerns, critics raise concerns about the lack of political freedom and repression under her regime. The future of democracy in Bangladesh hangs in the balance as Hasina begins her fourth term in power.
