As Sheikh Hasina is Ousted in Bangladesh, A Look Back at Her Career | Flashback with Palki Sharma

Summary

The script narrates the dramatic life of Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, who survived the assassination of her family in 1975 and went on to lead her country. From exile and imprisonment to becoming a popular leader, Hasina's journey is marked by political resilience and the balancing of power, economy, and democracy. Despite her achievements, her tenure is also marred by the suppression of opposition and a cycle of persecution that threatens Bangladesh's democratic health.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: On August 15, 1975, the first president of Bangladesh was killed in a military coup at his residence.
• 👥 Family tragedy: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's family was targeted, with only two daughters, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, surviving the massacre.
• 🌟 Rise of Sheikh Hasina: Despite the tragedy, Sheikh Hasina went on to become a prominent leader in Bangladesh, currently serving as the Prime Minister.
• 🌱 Early political influence: Sheikh Hasina's political views were shaped from a young age, influenced by her father's struggles and imprisonments.
• 🎓 Student activism: She was an active student leader, rejecting the Pakistani regime and advocating for Bangladesh's independence.
• 🇧🇩 The birth of Bangladesh: The 1971 Liberation War led to the creation of Bangladesh, with India's help, and Sheikh Hasina's father became the President.
• 🛫 Life in exile: After the coup, Sheikh Hasina lived in exile in Germany, where she continued to advocate for her country's democracy.
• 🗣️ Political comeback: Despite challenges, Sheikh Hasina returned to Bangladesh and was elected president of the Awami League, even while in exile.
• 🏆 Political victories and challenges: Sheikh Hasina has experienced electoral wins and losses, including a significant defeat in 2001 and subsequent terms as Prime Minister.
• 🛑 Military resistance: Throughout her political career, she has faced opposition and threats from the military, including house arrests and assassination attempts.
• 📊 Economic growth: Under her leadership, Bangladesh has become a major garment exporter, improving living standards and positioning the country as a rising Asian power.
• 🏢 Secularism and democracy: Sheikh Hasina has upheld secular values and worked to keep the military out of politics, promoting democracy in Bangladesh.
• 🔒 Opposition suppression: Despite her advocacy for democracy, there have been criticisms regarding the treatment of opposition parties and the suppression of dissenting voices.

Q & A

What significant event occurred on August 15, 1975, in Bangladesh?

On August 15, 1975, a military coup took place in Bangladesh, during which President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, also known as Mujib, was assassinated along with most of his family.

Who were the two surviving family members of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman after the 1975 coup?

Sheikh Hasina, his eldest daughter, and Sheikh Rehana were the two surviving family members after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Where was Sheikh Hasina when she learned about her father's assassination?

Sheikh Hasina was in Germany when she learned about her father's assassination through Bangladesh's Ambassador.

How did Sheikh Hasina's early life experiences shape her political views?

Sheikh Hasina's early life experiences, including her father's frequent imprisonment and her own involvement in student politics, shaped her rejection of Pakistani rule and her commitment to the principles of secularism and democracy.

What role did Sheikh Hasina play during the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh?

During the 1971 Liberation War, Sheikh Hasina served as a liaison between her imprisoned father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the outside world, participating in the mass uprising and helping to organize the resistance against West Pakistan.

What was the political situation like in Bangladesh when Sheikh Hasina returned from exile?

When Sheikh Hasina returned from exile, Bangladesh was under the rule of military leader General Ziaur Rahman, who was governing with an iron fist, making it impossible for her to return home immediately.

How did Sheikh Hasina's political career progress after her return to Bangladesh?

After her return to Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina was elected president of her father's party, the Awami League, in absentia. She later became the leader of the opposition and eventually the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, serving multiple terms.

What significant treaty did Sheikh Hasina sign during her first term as Prime Minister?

During her first term as Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina signed the Ganges Water Treaty with India, which was a significant achievement in terms of regional cooperation and resource management.

What are some of the criticisms leveled against Sheikh Hasina's governance?

Criticisms against Sheikh Hasina's governance include the suppression of opposition parties, with thousands of opposition workers in jail, and the inability to create a peaceful political environment where opposition leaders are not treated as mortal enemies.

What is the current status of Sheikh Hasina's political career as of the script's knowledge cutoff in 2024?

As of 2024, Sheikh Hasina is still serving as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, having won multiple consecutive elections since her return to power in 1996.

What are some of the key challenges Sheikh Hasina faced during her political career?

Sheikh Hasina faced numerous challenges, including surviving multiple assassination attempts, dealing with corruption charges, and navigating political opposition and military interventions.

Outlines

00:00

🏛️ Tragedy and Transformation: The Legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

The first paragraph sets the stage for a historical narrative, recounting the tragic assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder and president of Bangladesh, on August 15, 1975. The military coup led by young officers resulted in the death of Mujib and most of his family, sparing only his daughters. The paragraph explores the life of Sheikh Hasina, the eldest daughter, who was in Germany at the time. It delves into her early life, political awakening, and the challenges she faced as the daughter of a prominent political figure. The summary also touches on her education, marriage, and the pivotal role she played during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. The paragraph culminates with the impact of the assassination on Hasina's life, leading to her life in exile and her eventual rise to power as a political leader in Bangladesh.

05:01

🗣️ Political Resurgence and Struggle for Democracy: Sheikh Hasina's Journey

The second paragraph delves into Sheikh Hasina's political resurgence following the assassination of her family. It details her life in exile, her election as the president of the Awami League in absentia, and her eventual return to Bangladesh amidst public support. The summary outlines her efforts to unite various political parties, her protests against the military regime, and the numerous challenges she faced, including arrests and assassination attempts. It also discusses her tenure as the leader of the opposition, her electoral victories in 1996, and the various high and low points of her time in office, such as signing treaties, implementing welfare schemes, and facing electoral defeat in 2001. The paragraph concludes with the political turmoil in Bangladesh, including the controversy surrounding the caretaker government and Hasina's own experiences with corruption charges and house arrest.

10:03

🌟 Reflections on Leadership: Sheikh Hasina's Legacy and Challenges

The final paragraph provides a reflective analysis of Sheikh Hasina's legacy as a leader. It acknowledges the positive aspects of her governance, such as the economic growth of Bangladesh, the maintenance of a civilian government, and the control of radicalism, which has contributed to a relatively peaceful coexistence of minorities in the country. However, it also addresses the darker aspects of her leadership, including the suppression of opposition parties and the perpetuation of a cycle of persecution that undermines democratic principles. The summary poses a critical question regarding the future of democracy in Bangladesh and the responsibility of leaders to foster an environment where opposition can thrive without fear of retribution.

Keywords

💡Daka

Daka, now known as Dhaka, is the capital city of Bangladesh. In the script, it is the setting for the tragic assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh, and the backdrop for much of the political events that unfold in the video.

💡Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, also known as Bangabandhu, was the first president and later the prime minister of Bangladesh. His assassination on August 15, 1975, is a pivotal event in the video, shaping the life and political journey of his daughter, Sheikh Hasina.

💡Military Coup

A military coup refers to the overthrow of an existing government by the military. In the video, the coup is the event that leads to the murder of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family, setting off a series of political upheavals in Bangladesh.

💡Exile

Exile is a state of being away from one's country, often for political reasons. Sheikh Hasina went into exile after the assassination of her family, which is a significant part of her personal and political narrative in the video.

💡Awami League

The Awami League is a major political party in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina is elected as its president in 1981, in absentia, and the party plays a central role in her political career and the country's history.

💡Assassination Attempts

Assassination attempts refer to efforts to kill a political figure. Sheikh Hasina claims to have survived 19 such attempts, highlighting the dangerous and volatile political environment she navigated throughout her career.

💡Elections

Elections are the process by which people choose their representatives in a democracy. The video discusses several pivotal elections in Bangladesh's history, including those in which Sheikh Hasina participated and won, ultimately becoming Prime Minister.

💡Opposition

Opposition in politics refers to parties or individuals that are not part of the ruling government. The video describes the challenges faced by opposition parties in Bangladesh, including Sheikh Hasina during her periods of opposition.

💡Democracy

Democracy is a system of government where power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives. The video explores the struggles and setbacks in establishing and maintaining democracy in Bangladesh, with Sheikh Hasina as a key figure.

💡Economic Development

Economic development refers to the process of improving a country's economic well-being, often through industrialization and growth. The video mentions Bangladesh's rise as a major garment exporter under Sheikh Hasina's leadership, indicating economic progress.

💡Political Persecution

Political persecution involves the unfair treatment of political opponents, often leading to their suppression or removal from the political scene. The video discusses the cycle of persecution in Bangladesh, affecting both Sheikh Hasina and her political rivals.

Highlights

On August 15, 1975, a military coup in Bangladesh led to the assassination of President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family.

Sheikh Hasina, one of the two surviving family members, was in Germany at the time and went into exile after her father's death.

Hasina's early life was marked by her father's political struggles and frequent imprisonments, shaping her political views from a young age.

She emerged as a student leader in college, rejecting the Pakistani regime and advocating for Bangladeshi independence.

Hasina played a crucial role as a liaison for her imprisoned father during the Bangladesh movement and the 1971 Liberation War.

After the assassination, Hasina lived in secrecy in New Delhi with the help of India's Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

In 1981, she was elected president of her father's party, the Awami League, while still in exile.

Hasina returned to Bangladesh in 1981 to a massive homecoming, leading a coalition against the military regime.

Throughout the 1980s, she faced repeated arrests and assassination attempts for her political activism.

Hasina became the leader of the opposition in 1986 after her party won over 100 seats in the elections.

She survived numerous assassination attempts, with a total of 19 known attempts on her life.

In 1990, Hasina proposed a constitutional agreement leading to the first democratic elections, which she won.

Her first term as Prime Minister saw economic progress and efforts to improve living standards through welfare schemes.

Hasina faced defeat in the 2001 elections, leading to a period of opposition and political turmoil.

Despite accusations of corruption and an entry ban, Hasina returned to Bangladesh and was welcomed by massive crowds.

She has been re-elected as Prime Minister multiple times since 2008, with her party winning consecutive terms.

Hasina's legacy includes economic growth, maintaining civilian control over the military, and suppressing radicalism.

However, her tenure has also been marked by the suppression of opposition parties and a lack of peaceful political transition.

The narrative questions whether Hasina will continue the democratic values she fought for or perpetuate a cycle of persecution.

Transcripts

[Music]

it was August 15 1975 most of Daka was

still waking up but suddenly the sound

of bullets rang across the city they

came from here Dani 32 the personal

residence of shikh mujibur rman he was

then president of bangad pretty soon the

picture was clear muji's Army had turned

on him a military takeover was underway

a group of young officers attacked the

president's house he was surrounded by

guns mujib and his family locked

themselves inside one of the rooms once

the firing ended he stepped out

immediately the officers caught hold of

him mujib kept asking them what do you

want where are you taking me but shik

mujib was not being kidnapped the

officers had planned something worse one

of them sprayed bullets on the president

around 18 bullets struck him the founder

of Bangladesh collapsed in a pool of

blood most of his family was killed that

night just two members survived his two

daughters shik Hina and shik rhana shik

Hina was hundreds of miles away in

Germany Bangladesh's Ambassador broke

the news to her it was hard to process

she couldn't believe her father the

legendary bangabondhu was not not alive

anymore what's more Bengali assassins

had killed him from that moment shik

hina's life changed she would live in

Exile she would make a brave comeback

she would be jailed but today she's the

tallest leader in Bangladesh

controversial but popular and she stands

on the brink of yet another term as

prime minister so how did sh Casina

resurrect her family Legacy how did

rebuild from the tragedy of August 15th

time for a

flashback shik Hina was born in

1947 back then there was no Bangladesh

it was East Pakistan she was born in a

place called gopal Gan near Dhaka she

was the eldest of five children by now

her father was an established politician

it had a downside though shik mujib was

in jail a lot the children saw very

little of him once a friend asked Hina

how do you address your father what do

you call him the young Hina had no

answer she realized that she hardly had

the chance shik mujib was in jail from

1949 to 1952 even afterwards the

government always targeted him like in

1954 another arrest then in 1958 another

one and these experiences shaped hina's

politics from a young age she rejected

Pakistan in school her class had a

subject called social knowledge one

chapter was about Ayub Khan Pakistan's

military dictator when the exam came

Hina ditched her textbook she wrote what

her father had told her about Pakistani

dictators the teacher failed her in a

later exam she skipped all questions on

Pakistan she lost some 20 marks but Hina

says it was about principal and this

continued in college she emerged as a

popular student leader in college first

as vice president of the Union at Eden

College then as Union member of Dhaka

University in between she also got

married to a nuclear scientist named M A

vasid Mia by now the Bangladesh movement

had gathered strength a mass Uprising

was organized in 1969 Hina also took

part in it during this time she also had

another important job that of a liazon

shikh mujib had been imprisoned by

Pakistan so Hina was his contact with

the outside

world we all know what happened next the

1971 Liberation war with the help of

India West Pakistan's Army Was Defeated

and a new country was born the country

of

Bangladesh Hina also became a mother

during this tumultous time her son was

born in 1971 her daughter was born the

next year so things were going well her

father was President the country was

slowly being built built that's when

Hina decided to join her husband in

Germany it was July

1975 the whole family came to see her

off her father her mother her brothers

her sisters-in-law it was the last time

she would see them months later the coup

happened her entire family was massacred

within days shik Hina came to New Delhi

she met with India's prime minister

Indra Gandhi the Prime Minister offered

to help her Hina was given a house with

full security she and her family took

new names they lived in secrecy and

security back in Dhaka big changes were

happening military leader Z Rahman had

taken charge he was ruling with an iron

fist so returning home was impossible

for shikina she kept fighting she gave

speeches abroad against the military

leader she tried rallying for Global

support eventually things improved in

Taka in 1981 she was elected president

of her father's party the awami league

Hina was not back in Bangladesh then she

was elected in absentia the people were

on her side so that year she decided it

was time to return it was a massive

homecoming thousands of people welcomed

shik Casina the streets were lined from

the airport to her home the game was on

Hina brought 15 parties together she

protested against the military regime a

key moment was in

1983 the Army entered the daa University

campus they fired bullets at students

the next day Hina joined a protest in

Taka the Army arrested her she was

blindfolded and taken into

custody this became routine in the 1980s

Hina was repeatedly put under house

arrest by the Army each time public

pressure forced her

release then came 1986 elections were

held under dictator irhad Hina decided

to take part her party won more than 100

seats she became leader of the

opposition it was not smooth safe though

parliament's under dictators are like

rubber stamps Hina realized that soon

enough in 1987 she called for new

elections in response irad dissolved the

parliament this time the military was

out for

vengeance once they attempted to lift

hina's car with a crane and if you're

wondering yes she was inside the same

car thankfully the people intervened so

she slipped out in 1988 there was

another near Miss Hina was addressing a

rally in Chittagong the police opened

fire some 80 people died 80 but shik

Kina escaped many such attempts would

come in total she said to have survived

19 assassination

attempts but her work paid off in 1990

she proposed a constitutional formula to

isad sort of like an ultimatum he agreed

and stepped down If This Were A Movie

elections would be held and Hina would

win but it wasn't one more twist was in

store for her shik Hina did not win the

1991 elections they were won by Khalia

her arch nemesis Zia led the Bangladesh

nationalist party she was the Widow of Z

Rahman so Hina had to wait she rallied

farmers and workers she United other

parties in the opposition and she put

pressure on Khalid AIA in 1996 elections

were held again this time under a

neutral caretaker government for the

first time Hina tasted electoral success

say she became prime minister of

Bangladesh her first term had some highs

like signing the gangas water treaty

with India and ending the Insurgency in

the chiong

Hills she also had bold welfare schemes

like making homes for Farmers or giving

allowances to widows and specially abled

but the people thought differently in

the 2001 election shik Hina Was Defeated

and quite badly at that Khalid aia's

party the BNP won a 2/3 majority has CA

herself lost one of her three

seats so what did she do what leaders do

after a bad defeat she blamed the system

she accused the caretaker government of

helping the BNP but whatever the reason

she lost the election Hena was now in

opposition and in Bangladesh that's not

a good place to be awami League meetings

and leaders were targeted even former

ministers were killed it was a sign of

things to come in 2006 the BNP

government's term was up it was time for

another election just one problem though

Hina and Zia could not agree on the

caretaker

government there were protests and

counter protests and in the end an

emergency was declared in 2007 Hina

traveled to the US while there she was

charged with corruption and extortion

and then she was barred from returning

the caretakers said hina's return would

cause disorder she refused to listen her

party fought the cases in court and

around 50 days later the entry ban was

lifted

so once again shik Hina had a homecoming

very similar to the 1980s massive crowds

welcomed her at the airport and just

like the ' 80s she was soon arrested the

corruption charges emerged again so Hina

was placed under house arrest she would

be released in 2008 before the elections

and that's where the story ends because

after 2008 it's been one-way traffic

hina's party won that election she won

again in 2014 and then again in 2019 and

she will win again in 2024 and the oppos

I they boycotted some of the elections

and the others they lost each time they

have alleged unfair practices so looking

back what is shik hina's

Legacy well her story is not over yet

she's 76 years old but going strong and

like every leader she has done good and

bad we can think of three good things

one is the economy Bangladesh is now a

rising Asian giant it's among the

biggest garment exporters in the world

so living standards have improved two

she's kept the military out it's harder

than you think just look at the

situation in Pakistan once the generals

tasted power it's hard to keep them in

the barracks but Hina has done that

she's kept Daka in civil in hands three

she's also kept radicalism in check that

is why Bangladesh's minorities still

vote for shik Casina she learned her

core values from her father like

secularism now we come to the not so

good parts you can't have elections

without opposition parties that sort of

defeats the point of an election some

10,000 opposition workers are in jail

all of them cannot be radicals which

brings us to Sha's biggest failure and

it's a shared one the inability to

create a peaceful po if you're in

opposition it's game over for you that's

the rule in Bangladesh when Hina was in

opposition she was targeted now that

Khalid AIA is in opposition she's under

house arrest it's a cycle of persecution

as a result nobody wants to give up

power because if they do they know

what's in

store I'm afraid democracies cannot

function like that you can criticize

opposition leaders but you cannot treat

them as your mortal

enemy that's what shik Hina fought for

in the' 70s 8s and '90s she was the

rebel who wanted democracy the people

have given it to her the question is

what will she give them in return

[Music]