Sheikh Hasina gracefully enters the reception room of her official residence, wearing a chic silk sari, exuding a strong but light presence. With 76 years of expertise and a head of silver hair.
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister is a exceptional political determine who has led the transformation of this nation of 170 million individuals. Beneath her steerage, Bangladesh has advanced from a easy jute producer into the fastest-growing economic system within the Asia-Pacific area during the last ten years.
Having been in workplace since 2009, with a earlier time period from 1996 to 2001, she holds the excellence of being the world’s longest-serving feminine head of presidency. She is widely known for her success in curbing the affect of resurgent Islamists and a beforehand intrusive navy. With a formidable monitor file of successful elections, PM Sheikh Hasina is set to proceed her success on the poll field in January. “I’m assured that my individuals are with me,” she states in an interview with TIME in September. “They’re my best asset.
Hasina has endured a staggering 19 assassination makes an attempt all through the years, making it clear that her resilience is unmatched. Over the previous few months, there have been situations of clashes between supporters of the principle opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Social gathering (BNP) and safety forces. These incidents have resulted in quite a few arrests, harm to police autos and public buses, and sadly, lack of life. The BNP has acknowledged their intention to boycott the election, simply as they did in each 2014 and 2018. Their demand is for Hasina to switch energy to a caretaker authorities to supervise the elections. Their request has historic precedent, however it’s now not vital attributable to a constitutional modification.
Bangladesh has witnessed a shift in direction of a extra authoritarian method beneath the leadership of Hasina‘s Awami League get together. The final two elections had been closely criticized by the U.S., E.U., and different nations attributable to quite a few irregularities, such because the presence of stuffed poll containers and a lot of phantom voters. She obtained 84% and 82% of the vote, respectively. At present, Khaleda Zia, a former two-time Premier and chief of the BNP, is at the moment beneath home arrest attributable to questionable corruption expenses, whereas her well being situation stays important. In the meantime, BNP employees have confronted an awesome variety of 4 million authorized circumstances, whereas unbiased journalists and civil society have additionally expressed issues about focused harassment. Some critics argue that the upcoming January vote is being in comparison with a coronation, suggesting issues concerning the focus of energy in Hasina’s palms.
“The ruling get together has full management over all of the state equipment, together with legislation enforcement companies and the judiciary,” states BNP Secretary-Normal Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who has confronted expenses in 93 circumstances, together with vandalism and homicide, and has been imprisoned 9 occasions. “Each time we communicate up, they suppress us.”
Bangladesh is of nice significance. It holds the excellence of being the biggest single contributor to U.N. peacekeepers and incessantly participates in workout routines with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The colourful diaspora performs an important function in connecting enterprise and creative communities throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The USA holds the place of being the biggest contributor of overseas direct funding and serves as the first marketplace for exports from Bangladesh. Hasina has proven her usefulness for the West by condemning Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, albeit belatedly. Moreover, she has taken in round 1 million Rohingya refugees from neighboring Myanmar, which additional demonstrates her worth.
Nonetheless, Washington is rising more and more nervous about Bangladesh’s shift in direction of authoritarianism. Hasina didn’t obtain an invite to the newest two U.S.-hosted Summit for Democracy gatherings. Moreover, in Could, the nation launched visa restrictions for any Bangladeshi particular person who undermines elections. In her handle to parliament, Hasina expressed her perception that the U.S. was making an attempt to undermine democracy by orchestrating her elimination from energy. When questioned about her accusation, U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter D. Haas emphasizes that Washington is dedicated to sustaining impartiality.
Nonetheless, it’s evident that the U.S. is set to counter China’s increasing affect within the area at each alternative, which is noteworthy contemplating the present circumstances. In response to Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute on the Wilson Middle, it seems that the U.S. has chosen Bangladesh as a check case for its democracy-promotion coverage overseas. “There’s a vital concern that the elevated strain could have unintended penalties, doubtlessly main the federal government to grow to be extra decided to retain their place of energy.”
There’s a lot debate surrounding the potential implications of a fourth consecutive time period for Hasina on Bangladesh. Many People are solely aware of the nation via the labels sewn into their clothes. Nonetheless, the US is a various nation that brings collectively a big Muslim inhabitants, surpassing that of many Center Japanese nations, together with a major minority of Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and folks of different faiths. Regardless of being constitutionally secular, the choice by a navy dictator in 1988 to ascertain Islam because the state faith has created a posh state of affairs that has attracted radical fundamentalists.
Hasina has achieved exceptional success within the discipline of economics. Bangladesh has made exceptional progress lately, reworking from a rustic struggling to feed its individuals to turning into a meals exporter. Its GDP has skilled vital development, rising from $71 billion in 2006 to a formidable $460 billion in 2022. Consequently, Bangladesh now stands because the second largest economic system in South Asia, following intently behind India. It’s value noting that social indicators have proven vital enchancment, notably within the space of main schooling for women. Presently, 98% of women are receiving main schooling, which is a exceptional achievement. Bangladesh is making strides in high-tech manufacturing, attracting worldwide firms like Samsung to shift their provide chains away from China. In response to Professor Mohammad Ali Arafat, an Awami League lawmaker from central Dhaka, there’s room for enchancment in areas corresponding to democracy, human rights, and free speech. “Nonetheless, now we have made vital progress.
Bangladesh is considerably impacted by the climate crisis. This nation, as soon as referred to as East Pakistan, was formed by the depth and chaos of a civil battle in 1971. Nonetheless, the essence of life on this area has all the time been influenced by the presence of water all through historical past. Annually, an astonishing 165 trillion gallons of snowmelt from the majestic Himalayas flows via Bangladesh’s rivers, originating from inland. Common cyclones relentlessly pummel a low-lying delta, which is predominantly a floodplain, leading to a staggering $1 billion value of harm annually. Moreover, the alarming rise in sea ranges poses a major risk to the lives and livelihoods of a inhabitants that’s greater than 4 occasions the scale of California, all squeezed right into a territory smaller than Illinois. Hasina has strongly advocated for developed nations to meet their dedication of offering $100 billion yearly till 2025 to assist local weather resilience in creating nations. “We would like tangible actions relatively than simply empty guarantees,” she states. It is crucial for developed nations to step up and take motion.
Nonetheless, whereas water performs a major function within the lives of Bangladeshis, their politics is marked by violence. For the previous fifty years, two households and the present feminine leaders have been engaged in a long-standing and intense battle. On one aspect stands Hasina, the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, also referred to as Sheikh Mujib, who was Bangladesh’s first president. Tragically, Sheikh Mujib was assassinated in a military coup in 1975, together with 17 of his shut kinfolk. (It’s attainable that Hasina’s survival might be attributed to her presence in Europe throughout that point.) Reverse to that’s Khaleda Zia, the widow of former military chief and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. She held management within the nation from Mujib’s assassination till her husband’s passing in 1981.
Each of those highly effective girls derive their authority from their household’s involvement in Bangladesh’s combat for independence, whereas downplaying the importance of the opposite’s contribution. Hasina criticizes the BNP, referring to it as a celebration that lacks religion in democracy and was fashioned by a former junta. “Khalid Zia dominated with an iron fist,” she says with clear disdain. Hasina emphasizes the violence attributable to BNP supporters via arson assaults that occurred after the disputed 2018 election. In distinction, the BNP highlights the systematic repression they face and the false expenses introduced towards their leaders. Regrettably, bloodletting is a standard incidence on all sides. “Road violence has incessantly been part of Bangladeshi politics,” states Meenakshi Ganguly, the Asia deputy director for Human Rights Watch. “That assertion holds true for all main political events.
Hasina highlights her authorities’s efforts to reinforce the transparency of elections by implementing measures corresponding to clear poll containers and registration papers related to ID playing cards and biometric information. She proudly asserts that democracy runs in her blood. Following her father’s tragic homicide, Hasina and her sister sought shelter within the residence of Bangladesh’s ambassador to West Germany. Finally, they had been granted political asylum in India. In 1967, she entered into a wedding with physicist M. A. Wazed Miah, and collectively they welcomed two youngsters earlier than his passing in 2009. Hasina was lastly allowed to return again to Bangladesh in 1981. Upon her return, she was greeted by hundreds of enthusiastic Awami League supporters. Within the years that adopted, she tirelessly campaigned for democratic elections and the overthrow of navy rule. “It was our battle,” she states. Everybody deserves the correct to vote and the correct to have entry to meals. That was our slogan.”
Nonetheless, quite a bit has modified within the span of 4 many years. Presently, the opposition in Bangladesh raises issues about their incapability to marketing campaign freely on the streets or categorical their views within the media as a result of fixed worry of arrest, assault, or authorized repercussions. Ambassador Haas emphasizes the significance of contemplating extra than simply the day of elections for making certain free and truthful elections. All the course of and surroundings main as much as it are essential.
From 1991 to 2008, there was a relentless shift in energy between the BNP and Awami League throughout every election. Contemplating the sturdy sentiment towards incumbents, there’s a actual chance that Hasina could possibly be voted out in a good poll. “At present, it’s an actual battle for individuals,” one rickshaw driver in Dhaka expressed to TIME, highlighting how his day by day wage of 400 taka ($3.50) is hardly sufficient to afford cooking oil and lentils for his spouse and two youngsters. “Hasina comes from a distinguished household, however sadly, her father is unable to help us at present.”
Hasina is deeply involved about the potential for being faraway from energy and dealing with the identical sort of repressive retribution that her authorities is at the moment inflicting. “The Awami League appears to be fairly fearful,” remarks Zillur Rahman, an govt director on the Dhaka-based Centre for Governance Research assume tank and a chat present host. There isn’t a protected manner for them to go away.
The safety state of affairs in Bangladesh was considerably influenced by the occasions of July 1, 2016. At 9:40 pm, a bunch of armed people entered Holy Bakery in Dhaka’s upscale Gulshan district, a popular location for embassy employees and the prosperous in Bangladesh. Shouting “Allahu Akbar” (“God is nice” in Arabic), they started firing with out discrimination on the predominantly overseas prospects and throwing grenades. Prospects rapidly sought shelter beneath tables as workers members reacted with urgency, some selecting to flee throughout rooftops whereas others sought security in a restroom.
Witnesses reported that the attackers expressed their disapproval of Westerners’ selection of clothes and alcohol consumption, suggesting that they believed it was influencing the conduct of native individuals. They proceeded to inflict torture and execute any hostage who was unable to recite the Koran. After a police raid introduced an finish to the siege, a tragic toll was revealed: 22 civilians, together with locals, Italians, and Japanese, misplaced their lives, together with 5 terrorists and two law enforcement officials. Fifty others, together with largely law enforcement officials, sustained accidents.
Through the previous yr, Bangladesh skilled a major enhance in ISIS-inspired Islamic terrorism. Greater than 30 violent assaults focused Hindus, lecturers, and secularist writers and bloggers, making it a very difficult time for the nation. Eating places took precautions by prohibiting overseas prospects as a result of prevailing environment of worry, as a way to keep away from any potential dangers. At present, the as soon as ugly scene of that tragedy is now occupied by luxurious condominiums and a medical clinic. Nonetheless, the reminiscence of the violence continues to be an element that justifies Hasina’s ongoing safety crackdown.
Bangladesh began the method of Islamification in a extra critical method throughout the management of Ziaur Rahman in 1977. The BNP at present maintains alliances with extra conservative teams, whereas the Awami League has historically been favored by Bangladesh’s non secular minorities. In response to Kugelman from the Wilson heart, Dhaka has utilized counterterrorism imperatives as a justification to take stricter measures towards the Islamist components of the opposition. Counterterrorism at present is commonly used as a canopy for widespread state repression. Ganguly criticizes the actions by police at current BNP rallies, describing them as provocative and suggesting that they’ve resulted in retaliation.
Nonetheless, it’s not solely objects like rocks and sticks that may be discovered on the road. In current occasions, Bangladesh’s judicial establishments have been focusing extra on any type of criticism in direction of people perceived as enemies of Hasina. On September fifteenth, two well-known advocates for human rights, who diligently documented circumstances of illegal killings and disappearances, had been handed a two-year jail sentence on obscure accusations. This resolution has sparked sturdy condemnation from varied overseas governments, together with the US. Journalists, cartoonists, and college students have additionally been singled out for hurt.
In August, a bunch of over 170 international leaders and Nobel laureates, together with Barack Obama, wrote an open letter urging Hasina to place an finish to the continuing judicial harassment confronted by Muhammad Yunus, the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner from Bangladesh. Yunus is famend for his groundbreaking work in microcredit, which has helped alleviate poverty. Hasina has introduced forth 174 expenses towards Yunus, together with labor legislation violations, corruption, and cash laundering. She strongly criticizes him, referring to him as a “bloodsucker.”
It’s an uncommon grudge that fuels allegations of deep-seated suspicion. Hasina proudly highlights her file as exemplary, itemizing achievements in areas corresponding to meals, clothes, housing, schooling, healthcare, and job alternatives. “I’m doing it and I’ve executed it”—nonetheless, upon nearer examination, the state of affairs isn’t as constructive because it appears. In response to Freedom Home, Bangladesh is assessed as “partially free” and its economic system closely relies on agriculture, low-cost garment exports, and the numerous amount of cash despatched again dwelling by the 14 million-strong diaspora yearly, which quantities to just about $25 billion. Remittances have been essential in assuaging financial pressure, particularly with the numerous enhance in costs for gas and different important items following the invasion of Ukraine.
Bangladesh is ranked 147 out of 180 nations worldwide in Transparency Worldwide’s Corruption Perceptions Index. This places it on par with Iran and one place above Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Hasina proudly states that in Bangladesh, each particular person owns a cell phone and that the nation is about to graduate from the U.N. grouping of Least Developed Nations by 2026. Nonetheless, it’s vital to notice that the variety of Asian members could be considerably decreased to solely Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Cambodia.
Hasina’s remarks about Dhaka’s residents and the distinction she attracts between town and the villages elevate an vital query: why achieve this many individuals select to go away the countryside and transfer to the crowded capital? Peculiar Bangladeshis are feeling the influence of close to double-digit inflation, whereas corporations are dealing with challenges in buying and selling attributable to depleted overseas reserves. “Doing enterprise on this place might be fairly difficult,” Ambassador Haas remarks, highlighting the widespread corruption, labor points, and the continuing forex disaster. “U.S. firms are additionally exploring alternatives in a number of different nations for potential investments… It’s essential for Bangladesh to keep up competitiveness.
The Rohingya crisis highlights the numerous influence Bangladesh has on the worldwide stage. Simply an hour’s drive south of the bustling seaside resort of Cox’s Bazar, you’ll come throughout a cluster of humble bamboo huts, their roofs protected by plastic sheeting, nestled amidst the picturesque countryside. Inside Kutupalong refugee camp, roughly a million Rohingya refugees stay in dire situations, having escaped violent authorities actions in western Myanmar that resulted in a major lack of lives. Youngsters play with worn-out soccer balls as girls sporting niqab veils haggle over samosas and bitter plums. Those that escaped carried only a few belongings, however their tales had been full of accounts of violence, destruction, and assault.
Bangladesh’s response to the Rohingya disaster was marked by compassion, which led to a hesitancy from the worldwide group to deal with different human rights points. Nonetheless, this method modified when the severity of home abuses grew to become unimaginable to disregard, based on Ganguly. Nonetheless, in current occasions, the rising Western strain main as much as the elections has coincided with worsening security and humanitarian conditions. “There’s now an elevated sense of urgency for our individuals to return again,” shares Shorif Hussein, a 54-year-old refugee. Plainly Bangladesh is detached to our well-being or any potential hurt which will come to us. They merely need to take away our individuals from their land.
When discussing the Rohingya, Hasina emphasizes her private expertise of residing as a refugee for six years, highlighting her capacity to empathize with their struggling. Nonetheless, the federal government has proven little responsiveness to the pleas for offering refugees with entry to schooling and alternatives for sustainable employment. Sadly, the Rohingya’s welcome has come to an finish. “It’s fairly a major burden for us,” she expresses. “The U.N. and different organizations which might be offering assist to the Rohingya right here must also prolong their efforts inside Myanmar.”
The Rohingya disaster was by no means solely the duty of Bangladesh to resolve. It’s a matter that the worldwide group collectively shares duty for. Nonetheless, the state of affairs they’re dealing with brings up new issues concerning the influence of the US in Dhaka. The function of historic baggage can’t be neglected. The U.S. didn’t assist Bangladesh’s liberation battle, because it prioritized its sturdy relationship with the Pakistani junta, which was famously known as “our most allied ally” by Nixon.
On account of its dimension and geography, Bangladesh has skillfully maintained a fragile steadiness between its relations with the US and its connections to India, China, and Russia. The latter, particularly, has a wealthy historical past of interpersonal connections that may be traced again to the Chilly Conflict period. Russian establishments have welcomed Bangladeshi college students and civil society, fostering sturdy relationships. There’s a potential concern that exerting extreme strain could lead to Dhaka distancing itself from Washington and gravitating in direction of Moscow and Beijing. To date, Hasina has taken totally different positions on U.N. resolutions concerning Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine. “We didn’t vote towards Russia on sure points, however on different points, we did,” she says, confidently stating: “Our place is crystal clear.”
This method goals to current Dhaka as neutral and never overtly hostile in direction of any get together. Though Hasina has prevented over 69 sanctioned Russian ships from docking in Bangladesh, there was a major improvement within the relationship between the 2 nations. In September, Russian Overseas Minister Sergey Lavrov made historical past by turning into the primary high Russian official to go to Bangladesh. Moreover, the development of Bangladesh’s first nuclear plant, positioned 90 miles west of Dhaka, is being carried out by the Russian state-owned agency Rosatom. In October sixth, Bangladesh obtained its first cargo of Russian uranium for the plant, which is anticipated to be operational by subsequent July. When questioned about assigning blame for the Ukraine war, Hasina responds with a generic assertion: “They need to all cease.” It might be useful for Putin and the U.S. to stop their actions of instigating the battle and offering monetary assist. It might be useful to allocate the funds in direction of supporting the well-being of kids.
When questioned about Bangladesh’s strict Cyber Security Act, Hasina responds defensively, suggesting that opposition is inevitable in terms of any motion taken. It’s a pure response to criticism, but it surely nonetheless supplies a way of consolation. Throughout our dialog, issues are rapidly brushed apart and probabilities for self-reflection are redirected in direction of the deep reservoir of household trauma. Throughout our two hours collectively, Hasina repeatedly mentions her father’s tragic dying with none prompting. At dwelling, she has fostered an awesome reverence for Mujib, with a big portrait of the “Father of the Nation” dominating our dialog, and his iconic mustached face showing in each public workplace and web site. Within the departure lounge of Dhaka’s worldwide airport, a plasma display dominates the house, repeatedly taking part in his speeches for the captivated viewers. “I’m right here solely to meet my father’s dream,” Hasina states.
Nonetheless, that dream didn’t align with the imaginative and prescient of a democratic Bangladesh. In February 24, 1975, simply six months earlier than his tragic assassination by renegade troopers, Mujib made the choice to dissolve all political events and set up himself because the chief of a one-party state referred to as Baksal. This transfer was supposedly made to information the nation via a state of emergency. The query of whether or not democracy would ever be restored is a subject of debate, with critics already referring to Hasina’s regime as “Baksal 2.0.” In response to Hasina, Bangladesh is taken into account to be in a grey zone in terms of democracy, because the definition of democracy can range from nation to nation.
It’s not precisely a comforting viewpoint for somebody approaching the voting sales space. Hasina understands the significance of a robust and resilient opposition, because it leaves no room for failure. “Overthrowing me via a democratic system isn’t so simple as it could appear,” she asserts. Plainly the one resolution is for me to be eradicated. I’m ready to make the final word sacrifice for the well-being of my group.
Data Supply: Time.com (Time Journal)
Subscribe to Our Newest Publication
To Learn Our Unique Content material, Join Now.
$5/Month-to-month, $50/Yearly
