Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Photo : Messenger
On this significant day, September 28, 2023, we commemorate the 77th birthday of Sheikh Hasina, the eldest daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation. Sheikh Hasina's journey is not just a personal milestone but a testament to her indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to the progress and prosperity of Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina, the honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the President of the Bangladesh Awami League, has been the driving force behind the transformation of Bangladesh into a Smart Bangladesh. Her leadership is marked by intelligence, integrity, dedication, competence, wisdom, skill, creativity, and visionary thinking. Under her guidance, Bangladesh has evolved from a struggling nation into a modern and prosperous nation, equipped with cutting-edge technology and smart solutions. She stands as a beacon of hope for Bengalis and a global symbol of leadership.
Once known as the "bottomless basket" due to its poverty and recurring famines, Bangladesh's fortunes took a dramatic turn under Sheikh Hasina's benevolent leadership. She played a pivotal role in international politics, representing Bangladesh on the global stage and earning admiration worldwide.
Born on September 28, 1947, in Tungipara, Gopalganj, Sheikh Hasina is the eldest of five children of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib. Her father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, dedicated his life to realizing the vision of a "Sonar Bangla" (Golden Bengal), a dream that was tragically cut short when he and most of his family members were brutally murdered on August 15, 1975, just three and a half years after leading the nation to liberation.
In the face of this unimaginable tragedy, Sheikh Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, who were abroad at the time of the heinous killings, took it upon themselves to revive their father's dream of a prosperous Bangladesh, despite their personal grief.
Sheikh Hasina's life has been marked by personal tragedies and relentless challenges, including surviving 22 assassination attempts, such as the horrific grenade attack on August 21, 2004, and the Laldighi massacre in Chittagong in 1988.
In 1968, she married nuclear scientist Dr. Wazed Miah. Her involvement in student politics during college led her to become the vice-president of the students' union at Government Intermediate College (now Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls' College) for the 1966-67 term.
Sheikh Hasina first became Prime Minister in 1996 and has since held office in 2009, 2014, and 2019, becoming the longest-serving premier in Bangladesh's history.
One of her most significant achievements is the introduction of Vision 2021, a transformative agenda aimed at propelling Bangladesh into a middle-income country. In 2014, she unveiled Vision 2041, a roadmap to eradicate poverty and transform Bangladesh into a developed nation by 2041.
Under her leadership, Bangladesh initiated war crimes trials and pursued justice in the Bangabandhu murder case. Sheikh Hasina's unwavering determination was evident in her successful completion of the Padma Bridge, a project many considered nearly impossible due to numerous challenges, from financial uncertainties to opposition from various quarters. Her resolute spirit made the impossible a reality, and the Padma Bridge, inaugurated on June 25, 2023, stands as a testament to her achievements.
Sheikh Hasina's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was exemplary. Despite the profound economic and health crises it posed, her government effectively managed the situation, ensuring vaccines reached eligible citizens. Bangladesh emerged as a global model for vaccination rates when many countries struggled to secure vaccines for their populations.
As the world grappled with the economic fallout of the Russia-Ukraine war, Sheikh Hasina faces the challenge of steering her nation through another turbulent period. She must lead Bangladesh towards economic recovery while also preparing for the upcoming parliamentary election in early 2024.
Despite her remarkable accomplishments, Sheikh Hasina's legacy is not without controversy. Concerns about the electoral system, rule of law, and shrinking freedom of expression and media have marred her tenure. These criticisms serve as a reminder of the challenges that remain on the path to building a more inclusive and democratic Bangladesh.
As we celebrate Sheikh Hasina's 77th birthday, we recognise her enduring commitment to the nation's growth and development. Her leadership has left an indelible mark on Bangladesh's history, and her vision continues to shape the nation's future.
Messenger/ Jakir/Disha
