Premiership of Sheikh Hasina

{{see also|First Hasina ministry}}

File:US President Clinton and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina make a joint statement, Prime Minister's office, Bangladesh, March 20, 2000.jpg at the Prime Minister's Office in Dhaka, 2000|left]]

File:Sheikh Hasina and Romano Prodi Brussels 2001.jpg in Brussels, 2001]]

The Awami League (AL), with other opposition parties, demanded that the next general elections be held under a neutral caretaker government, and that provision for caretaker governments to manage elections be incorporated in the constitution. The ruling BNP refused to act on these demands.{{Cite news |last=Haidar |first=Suhasini |date=17 October 2020 |title=Before his pen went dry, Pranab Mukherjee wrote on 1971, love for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman family |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/book-on-mujibur-rahman-will-have-the-last-essay-penned-by-pranab-mukherjee/article32880610.ece |access-date=7 November 2020 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=31 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031232948/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/book-on-mujibur-rahman-will-have-the-last-essay-penned-by-pranab-mukherjee/article32880610.ece |url-status=live}}

Opposition parties launched an unprecedented campaign, calling strikes for weeks on end. The Government accused them of destroying the economy while the opposition countered that the BNP could resolve the issue by acceding to their demands. In late 1995, the members of parliament of the AL and other parties resigned en masse. Parliament completed its five-year term and the February 1996 general election was held. The election was boycotted by all major parties except the ruling BNP, who won all the seats in the parliament as a result. Hasina described the election as a farce.{{cite web |url=https://bdaffairs.com/bangladeshi-general-election-february-1996/ |title=Bangladeshi General Election, February 1996 |website=Bangladesh Affairs |access-date=8 February 2019 |archive-date=9 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124445/https://bdaffairs.com/bangladeshi-general-election-february-1996/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-69196 |title=Past elections at a glance |date=29 December 2008 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=8 February 2019 |archive-date=9 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209123842/https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-69196 |url-status=live}}

The new parliament, composed almost entirely of BNP members, amended the constitution to create provisions for a caretaker government (CTG). The June 1996 general election was held under a neutral caretaker government headed by retired Chief Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman. The AL won 146 seats, a plurality, but fell short of a simple majority. Khaleda Zia, leader of the BNP who won 104 seats, denounced the results and alleged vote rigging. This was in contrast with the neutral observers who said that the election was free and fair.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/14/world/after-21-years-bangladeshi-party-is-returned-to-power.html |title=After 21 Years, Bangladeshi Party Is Returned to Power |last=Burns |first=John F. |date=14 June 1996 |work=The New York Times |access-date=8 February 2019 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=9 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124919/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/14/world/after-21-years-bangladeshi-party-is-returned-to-power.html |url-status=live}}

Hasina served her first term as Prime Minister of Bangladesh from June 1996 to July 2001. She signed the 30-year water-sharing treaty with India governing the Ganges. Her administration repealed the Indemnity Act, which granted immunity from prosecution to the killers of Sheikh Mujib. Her government opened-up the telecommunications industry to the private sector, which until then was limited to government-owned companies. In December 1997, Hasina's administration signed the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, ending the insurgency in the Chittagong Division for which Hasina won the UNESCO Peace Prize. Her government established the Ashrayan-1 Project while bilateral relations with neighbouring states improved. Hasina's government completed the Bangabandhu Bridge mega project in 1998. In 1999, the government started the New Industrial Policy (NIP) which aimed to strengthen the private sector and encourage growth.{{cite web |url=http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Hasina,_Sheikh |title=Hasina, Sheikh |website=Banglapedia |access-date=2 January 2017 |archive-date=12 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012093315/http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Hasina%2C_Sheikh |url-status=live}}

The Hasina government implemented some reforms to different sectors of the economy, which resulted in the country attaining an average of 5.5% GDP growth. The consumer price index remained at 5%, lower than other developing states who experienced 10% inflation. The Fifth Five-Year Plan (1997–2002) of the government placed an emphasis on poverty alleviation programmes which provided credit and training to unemployed youths and women. Food-grain production increased from 19 million tons to 26.5 million tons while the poverty rate reduced. A Housing Fund was established to provide fiscal assistance to those homeless as a result of river erosion. The government launched the Ekti Bari Ekti Khamar scheme which accentuated the incomes of the poorer segments of society through household farming.

The Hasina government adopted the New Industrial Policy in 1999 which aimed to bolster the private sector and attract foreign direct investment, thus expediating the globalisation process. The NIP aimed for 25% of the economy to be industry based with 20% of the country's workforce employed in industry. It encouraged the institution of small, cottage and labour-intensive industries with an onus on skill development for women for employment, development of indigenous technology and industries based on local raw materials. The NIP allowed for foreign investors to own 100% equity in Bangladeshi enterprises without prior approval from the government and all but four sectors of the economy were opened up to the private sector.

Attempts were made to create a social security system to protect the most vulnerable in society. The Hasina administration introduced an allowance scheme which resulted in 400,000 elderly people receiving monthly allowances. This scheme was later extended to widows, distressed and deserted women. A national foundation devoted to rehabilitation and training of people, with disabilities was founded with an initial grant of ৳100 million funded by the government. The Ashrayan-1 Project provided shelter and employment to the homeless.

Hasina was the first prime minister to engage in a "Prime Minister's Question-Answer Time" in the Jatiya Sangsad. The Jatiya Sangsad repealed the Indemnity Act, allowing for the killers of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to be prosecuted. The government introduced a four-tier system of local government including the Gram Parishad, Zila Parishad and Upazila Parishad by passing legislation.

The Hasina government liberalised the telecommunications industry, initially granting four licenses to private companies to provide cellular mobile telephone services. This resulted in the previous state monopoly being disbanded meaning prices began to reduce and access became more widespread. The government established the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission to regulate the newly liberalised telecommunications industry.

The government established the National Policy for Women's Advancement which sought to ensure equality between men and women. The policy aimed to guarantee security and employment, create an educated and skilled workforce, eliminate discrimination and repression against women, establish human rights and end poverty and ensure participation in socio-economic development. The government introduced three reserved seats for women in all Union Parishad election in December 1997. Hasina's cabinet approved the National Plan of Action for Children in 1999 to ensure rights and improved upbringing.

Hasina attended the World Micro Credit summit in Washington DC; the World Food Summit in Rome; the Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference in India; the OIC summit in Pakistan; the 9th SAARC summit in the Maldives; the first D-8 summit in Turkey; the 5th World Conference for the Aged in Germany; the Commonwealth summit in the UK and the OIC summit in Iran. Hasina also visited the United States, Saudi Arabia, Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Bangladesh joined two multilateral bodies, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8). She became the first Bangladeshi prime minister since independence to complete an entire five-year term.{{cn|date=December 2024}}

In the 2001 general election, despite winning 40% of the popular vote (slightly less than BNP's 41%), the AL won just 62 seats in parliament as a result of the first past-the-post electoral system, while the 'Four Party Alliance' led by BNP won 234 seats, giving them a two-thirds majority in parliament. Hasina herself ran in three constituencies,{{cite web |title=Sheikh Hasina's party wins Bangladesh election; opposition claims votes rigged |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/top-story/prime-minister-sheikh-hasina-wins-bangladesh-election--opposition-claims-votes-rigged/story/305449.html |access-date=7 November 2020 |website=www.businesstoday.in |date=31 December 2018 |archive-date=10 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210052748/https://www.businesstoday.in/top-story/prime-minister-sheikh-hasina-wins-bangladesh-election--opposition-claims-votes-rigged/story/305449.html |url-status=live}} and was defeated in a constituency in Rangpur, which included her husband's hometown, but won in two other seats. Hasina and the AL rejected the results, claiming that the election was rigged with the assistance of the president and the caretaker government. The international community was largely satisfied with the elections, and the 'Four Party Alliance' went on to form a government.{{Cite book |last=Matin |first=Abdul |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2GSgAAAAMAAJ |title=Sheikh Hasina: The Making of a Prime Minister |date=1997 |publisher=Radical Asia Publications |isbn=978-0-907546-27-6 |page=214 |language=en |access-date=4 December 2020 |archive-date=6 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106093046/https://books.google.com/books?id=2GSgAAAAMAAJ |url-status=live}}

{{see also|Second Hasina ministry}}

File:Sheikh Hasina with David Cameron.jpg at 10 Downing Street (January 2011)]]

On 6 November 2008, Hasina returned to Bangladesh to contest the 2008 general election scheduled for 29 December.{{cite news |last=Pasricha |first=Anjana |date=6 November 2008 |title=Sheikh Hasina Returns to Lead Her Party in Bangladesh |url=http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-11-06-voa23.cfm |work=VOA News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081110090007/http://voanews.com/english/2008-11-06-voa23.cfm |archive-date=10 November 2008 |url-status=dead}} She decided to participate in the parliamentary election under the banner of the "Grand Alliance" with the Jatiya Party, led by Hussain Muhammad Ershad, as its main partner. On 11 December 2008, Hasina formally announced her party's election manifesto during a news conference and vowed to build a "Digital Bangladesh" by 2021.{{Cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-68943 |title=Hasina plays on people's expectation for a change |newspaper=The Daily Star |access-date=28 March 2016 |archive-date=8 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408011541/http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-68943 |url-status=live}}

The AL manifesto was entitled A Charter for Change and included the party's commitment to Vision 2021. The manifesto included pledges to implement measures to reduce price hikes; combat corruption by strengthening the independent ACC and submission of annual wealth statements by influential people; introduction of a long-term policy towards power and energy increasing power generation to 7,000 megawatts by 2013; bringing vibrancy to the agriculture sector and extending the safety net to the poor; creating good governance and curtailing terrorism and religious extremism; prosecution of 1971 war criminals; ensuring an independent and impartial judiciary; reforming the electoral system; strengthening the Human Rights Commission and de-politicising the administration.

Her Awami League and the Grand Alliance (a total of 14 parties) won the 2008 general election with a two-thirds majority, having won 230 out of 299 seats.{{Cite news |date=30 December 2008 |title=Hasina wins Bangladesh landslide |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7803785.stm |access-date=27 March 2022 |archive-date=16 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216215840/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7803785.stm |url-status=live}} Khaleda Zia, leader of the BNP-led coalition (4-Party Alliance), rejected the results of the election by accusing the Chief Election Commissioner of "stage-managing the parliamentary election".{{cite web |url=http://www.samaylive.com/news/khaleda-zia-rejects-bdesh-election-result/602947.html |title=चण्डीगढ़,पंजाब और हरियाणा में घना कोहरा छा |publisher=Samay Live |date=10 January 2010 |language=hi |access-date=26 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401090546/http://www.samaylive.com/news/khaleda-zia-rejects-bdesh-election-result/602947.html |archive-date=1 April 2012 |url-status=dead}} Hasina was sworn into office as prime minister for a second term on 6 January 2009. Independent observers declared that the elections were held in a festive and peaceful atmosphere.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/30/world/asia/30bangladesh.html |title=Secular Party Wins in Bangladesh |last1=Sengupta |first1=Somini |date=29 December 2008 |work=The New York Times |access-date=8 February 2019 |last2=Manik |first2=Julfikar Ali |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=9 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124851/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/30/world/asia/30bangladesh.html |url-status=live}}

After being elected prime minister, Hasina reneged on her agreement with the Jatiya Party to make Ershad, its leader, the president.{{cite news |url=http://banglanews24.com/detailsnews.php?nssl=5c0b22ae24d0082d80a0d52feb219798&nttl=22082012134014 |script-title=bn:এরশাদের ভারতপ্রেম রাজনীতিতে নতুন ছক! |work=Banglanews24 |date=22 August 2012 |language=bn |access-date=26 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110130004/http://www.banglanews24.com/detailsnews.php?nssl=5c0b22ae24d0082d80a0d52feb219798&nttl=22082012134014 |archive-date=10 January 2014}}

Hasina removed Awami League central committee members who supported reforms forced by the previous caretaker government.{{cite magazine |date=10 August 2009 |title=Sheikh Hasina flexes her muscles |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1824562351.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627062235/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1824562351.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 June 2018 |magazine=Dhaka Courier }} She had to confront a major national crisis in the form of the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles revolt over a pay dispute, which resulted in 56 deaths, including Bangladesh Army officers.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/feb/28/bangladesh-soldiers-rebellion-mutiny |title=Bangladeshi army officers' bodies found as death toll from mutiny rises to more than 75 |last1=Ramesh |first1=Randeep |date=28 February 2009 |work=The Guardian |access-date=8 February 2019 |last2=Monsur |first2=Maloti |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=9 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124407/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/feb/28/bangladesh-soldiers-rebellion-mutiny |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/14/world/asia/14bangla.html |title=Bangladeshi Premier Faces a Grim Crucible |last=Sengupta |first=Somini |date=13 March 2009 |work=The New York Times |access-date=8 February 2019 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=9 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209130136/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/14/world/asia/14bangla.html |url-status=live}} Hasina was blamed by the army officers due to her refusal to intervene against the revolt.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-201558 |title=Hasina showed character |date=8 September 2011 |access-date=21 February 2023 |work=The Daily Star |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230221012054/https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-201558 |archive-date=21 February 2023 |url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine |url=https://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1882554,00.html |title=After the Mutiny, Questions About Bangladesh's Army |date=2 March 2009 |access-date=21 February 2023 |magazine=Time |last=Sobhan |first=Zafar |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230221012347/https://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1882554,00.html |archive-date=21 February 2023 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/feb/28/bangladesh-soldiers-rebellion-mutiny |title=Bangladeshi army officers' bodies found as death toll from rebellion rises |date=28 February 2009 |access-date=21 February 2023 |work=The Guardian |last1=Ramesh |first1=Randeep |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230221012705/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/feb/28/bangladesh-soldiers-rebellion-mutiny |archive-date=21 February 2023 |url-status=live |last2=Monsur |first2=Maloti}} However, In 2009, a recording emerged of Hasina's private meeting with army officers, who expressed their anger with how she had not reacted more decisively in the revolt's early stages, by ordering an armed raid of the BDR Rifles compound; they believed that her efforts to appease the revolt's leaders delayed needed action which led to more deaths.{{cite news |last1=Khan |first1=Urmee |last2=Nelson |first2=Dean |title=Bangladeshi army officers blame prime minister for mutiny |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/bangladesh/4982518/Bangladeshi-army-officers-blame-prime-minister-for-mutiny.html |access-date=26 December 2022 |work=www.telegraph.co.uk |archive-date=9 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124251/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/bangladesh/4982518/Bangladeshi-army-officers-blame-prime-minister-for-mutiny.html |url-status=live}} In a 2011 The Daily Star editorial, she was commended for "her sagacious handling of the situation which resulted in the prevention of a further bloodbath". In 2011, the parliament removed the law that required non-party caretaker government hold elections.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-13973576 |title=Bangladesh ends 'caretaker' polls |work=BBC News |date=30 June 2011 |access-date=8 February 2019 |archive-date=9 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209134131/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-13973576 |url-status=live}} In 2012, she maintained a hard-line stance and refused to allow entry to Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar during the 2012 Rakhine State riots.{{YouTube|0IF_wu4dxUk|PM says Bangladesh cannot help Rohingya}}

On 27 June 2013, a case against Hasina and 24 other Bangladeshi Ministers and security personnel was lodged at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the alleged violation of human rights.{{cite news |title=Complaint lodged at ICC accusing Hasina, 24 others |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/uncategorized/2013/06/29/complaint-lodged-at-icc-accusing-hasina-24-others |newspaper=Dhaka Tribune |date=29 June 2013 |access-date=7 January 2017 |archive-date=12 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212003600/https://www.dhakatribune.com/uncategorized/2013/06/29/complaint-lodged-at-icc-accusing-hasina-24-others |url-status=live}} She has been "credited internationally" for the achievement of some of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.{{cite news |last1=Tisdall |first1=Simon |last2=Ridout |first2=Anna |date=21 September 2015 |title=Bangladesh's PM rejects claims of repression: 'I do politics for the people' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/21/bangladesh-prime-minister-rejects-accusations-of-authoritarian-rule |newspaper=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077 |access-date=28 March 2016 |archive-date=18 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318135016/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/21/bangladesh-prime-minister-rejects-accusations-of-authoritarian-rule |url-status=live}} In 2012 a coup attempt against her by mid-ranking army officers was stopped, with the Bangladesh Army being tipped off by an Indian intelligence agency.{{cite magazine |last=Samad |first=Saleem |date=28 January 2012 |title=Dhaka Conspiracy |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bangladesh-coup-bid-against-sheikh-hasina-foiled/1/170876.html |url-status=live |magazine=India Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530024231/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bangladesh-coup-bid-against-sheikh-hasina-foiled/1/170876.html |archive-date=30 May 2017 |access-date=3 June 2017}} The Bangladesh Army described the army officers involved as being Islamist extremists.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/20/world/asia/bangladesh-army-claims-to-thwart-coup-attempt.html |title=Bangladesh Army Claims to Thwart Coup Attempt |last1=Gottipati |first1=Sruthi |date=19 January 2012 |work=The New York Times |access-date=8 February 2019 |last2=Kumar |first2=Hari |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=9 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209130126/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/20/world/asia/bangladesh-army-claims-to-thwart-coup-attempt.html |url-status=live}}

In 2012, she had a falling out with Muhammad Yunus, Nobel laureate and founder of Grameen Bank, following a Norwegian documentary that was critical of Yunus's transferring of money from Grameen Bank to an affiliate organisation. Yunus transferred the money back after the documentary aired but it increased scrutiny of the bank by the government and media in Bangladesh. Yunus lost control of his bank following a court verdict. He criticised Hasina and other Bangladeshi politicians. She responded by saying she did not understand why Yunus blamed her when it was a court verdict that removed him from Grameen Bank.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/24/world/asia/grandmotherly-bangladesh-leader-unfazed-by-problems-at-home.html |title=Grandmotherly Bangladesh Leader Unfazed by Problems at Home |last=Gladstone |first=Rick |date=23 September 2011 |work=The New York Times |access-date=8 February 2019 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=9 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124022/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/24/world/asia/grandmotherly-bangladesh-leader-unfazed-by-problems-at-home.html |url-status=live}}

During this term, her government led and succeeded in forming the International Crimes Tribunal, to investigate and prosecute suspects involved in the Bangladesh Genocide, committed by the Pakistan Army and their local collaborators, Razakars, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.{{Cite news |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/court/2017/09/19/reform-international-crimes-tribunal |title=Reform in International Crimes Tribunal soon |date=18 September 2017 |work=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=8 February 2019 |archive-date=9 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209125237/https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/court/2017/09/19/reform-international-crimes-tribunal |url-status=live}}

{{See also|Third Hasina ministry}}

File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Ms. Sheikh Hasina, on the sidelines of the 4th BIMSTEC Summit, in Kathmandu, Nepal on August 30, 2018.JPG, 2018]]

Hasina secured a second-consecutive term in office with her ruling Awami League and its Grand Alliance allies, winning the 2014 general election by a landslide. The election was boycotted by leading opposition parties due to unfair conditions and a lack of non-partisan administration to conduct elections.{{cite news |title=Bangladesh: Ruling Awami League wins election marred by boycott and violence |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/bangladeshs-ruling-awami-league-wins-election-marred-by-boycott-and-violence-9041436.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/bangladeshs-ruling-awami-league-wins-election-marred-by-boycott-and-violence-9041436.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=6 January 2014 |access-date=11 March 2022}}{{cbignore}} As a result, the AL-led Grand Alliance won 267 seats out of which 153 were uncontested, surpassing its 2008 poll success—when it secured 263 parliamentary seats.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46718393 |title=Bangladesh PM wins landslide election |work=BBC News |date=31 December 2018 |access-date=8 August 2019 |archive-date=5 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105234147/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46718393 |url-status=live}} Sheikh Hasina's Awami League has run Bangladesh since 2009 and won 288 seats in this election.{{Cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-01/bangladesh-ruling-coalition-declared-winner-of-disputed-vote/10676404 |title=Bangladesh's ruling alliance wins almost every seat amid claims of intimidation |date=1 January 2019 |work=ABC News |access-date=8 August 2019 |archive-date=21 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421074418/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-01/bangladesh-ruling-coalition-declared-winner-of-disputed-vote/10676404 |url-status=live}} One of the leading opposition parties accused it of using stuffed ballot boxes. The election was boycotted by major opposition parties including the BNP.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/05/world/asia/bangladesh-election.html | title=Opposition Party Boycotting Bangladesh Election | work=The New York Times | date=5 January 2014 | last1=Barry | first1=Ellen | access-date=4 August 2024 | archive-date=28 December 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228012029/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/05/world/asia/bangladesh-election.html | url-status=live }}

The election was controversial, with reports of violence and an alleged crackdown on the opposition in the run-up to the election. In the election 153 seats (of 300) went uncontested, of which the Awami League won 127 by default.{{cite web |url=http://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/bangladesh/constitution-politics |title=Bangladesh: Constitution and politics |website=The Commonwealth |access-date=8 August 2019 |archive-date=4 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804001006/http://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/bangladesh/constitution-politics |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.e-ir.info/2014/02/02/elections-in-bangladesh-political-conflict-and-the-problem-of-credibility/ |title=Elections in Bangladesh: Political Conflict and the Problem of Credibility |website=E-International Relations |date=2 February 2014 |access-date=8 August 2019 |archive-date=8 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808114324/https://www.e-ir.info/2014/02/02/elections-in-bangladesh-political-conflict-and-the-problem-of-credibility/ |url-status=live}} Hasina's Awami League won a safe parliamentary majority with a total of 234 seats.{{Cite news |url=https://www.observerbd.com/details.php?id=176500 |title=Sheikh Hasina fourth time Prime Minister – Front Page |work=The Daily Observer |access-date=8 August 2019 |archive-date=3 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203063843/http://www.observerbd.com/details.php?id=176500 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/bangladesh-national-election-2018/bangladesh-past-general-elections-stats-and-fact-box-1680232 |title=Election Special: PAST ELECTIONS FACT BOX |date=29 December 2018 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=8 August 2019 |archive-date=8 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808123745/https://www.thedailystar.net/bangladesh-national-election-2018/bangladesh-past-general-elections-stats-and-fact-box-1680232 |url-status=live}} As a result of the boycott and violence, voter turnout was lower than the previous few elections at only 51%. The day after the result, Hasina said that the boycott should "not mean there will be a question of legitimacy.{{cite web |url=http://aceproject.org/electoral-advice/archive/questions/replies/648740562 |title=Role of election boycotts in a democracy — |website=aceproject.org |access-date=2019-08-08 |archive-date=8 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808123734/http://aceproject.org/electoral-advice/archive/questions/replies/648740562 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-25602436 |title=Clashes in boycotted Bangladesh poll |date=2014-01-05 |access-date=2019-08-08 |archive-date=22 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422084053/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-25602436 |url-status=live}} People participated in the poll and other parties participated." Despite the controversy Hasina went on to form a government with Ershad's Jatiya Party (who won 34 seats) as the official opposition.{{Cite news |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/election/2018/11/25/awami-league-to-offer-36-seats-to-jatiya-party |title=Awami League to offer 36 seats to Jatiya Party |date=25 November 2018 |work=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=8 August 2019 |archive-date=8 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808123734/https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/election/2018/11/25/awami-league-to-offer-36-seats-to-jatiya-party |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/news/falling-short-five-seats-1681849 |title=Falling short by five seats |date=2 January 2019 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=8 August 2019 |archive-date=8 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808123733/https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/news/falling-short-five-seats-1681849 |url-status=live}}

File:G7 members and Guest Invitees group photo.jpg

The BNP wanted the elections to be held under a neutral caretaker government and had hoped to use protests to force the government to do so.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/12/world/asia/matriarchs-duel-for-power-threatens-to-tilt-bangladesh-off-balance.html |title=Matriarchs' Duel for Power Threatens to Tilt Bangladesh Off Balance |last=Barry |first=Ellen |date=11 January 2014 |work=The New York Times |access-date=8 February 2019 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=9 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209125013/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/12/world/asia/matriarchs-duel-for-power-threatens-to-tilt-bangladesh-off-balance.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2014/01/bangladesh-elections-hanging-thread-201413105638185296.html |title=Bangladesh elections: Hanging by a thread |work=Al Jazeera |access-date=8 February 2019 |archive-date=9 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124238/https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2014/01/bangladesh-elections-hanging-thread-201413105638185296.html |url-status=live}}

The period also saw increasing attacks by Islamic extremists in the country, including the July 2016 Dhaka attack which has been described as "deadliest Islamist attack in Bangladeshi history" by BBC.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50570243 |title=Holey Artisan cafe: Bangladesh Islamists sentenced to death for 2016 attack |work=BBC News |date=27 November 2019 |access-date=29 October 2022 |quote=The 12-hour siege was Bangladesh's deadliest Islamist attack. Most of the victims were Italian or Japanese. |archive-date=27 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127133047/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50570243 |url-status=live}} According to experts, the Hasina-led government's repression of political opposition as well as shrinking democratic and civic space has created "the space for extremist groups to flourish" and "has generated a violent backlash from Islamist groups."{{cite web |last1=Herbert |first1=Siân |title=Conflict analysis of Bangladesh |url=https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/323960655.pdf |publisher=K4D |access-date=9 December 2022 |archive-date=9 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209234408/https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/323960655.pdf |url-status=live}}

In March 2017, Bangladesh's first two submarines were commissioned.{{cite news |title=Bangladesh's first 2 submarines commissioned |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/country/bangladeshs-first-two-submarines-commissioned-1374724 |work=The Daily Star |date=12 March 2017 |access-date=13 September 2017 |archive-date=12 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312090121/http://www.thedailystar.net/country/bangladeshs-first-two-submarines-commissioned-1374724 |url-status=live}} In September 2017, Hasina's government granted refuge and aid to around a million Rohingya refugees and urged Myanmar to end violence against the Rohingya community.{{cite news |date=13 September 2017 |title=Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina visits Rohingya refugees, assures help |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/world/bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-visits-rohingya-refugees-assures-help-4841057/ |access-date=27 March 2022 |work=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=14 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914125202/http://indianexpress.com/article/world/bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-visits-rohingya-refugees-assures-help-4841057/ |url-status=live}} The majority of the Bangladeshi people supported the government's decision to provide refugee status to the Rohingya. Hasina received credit and praise for her actions.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/06/opinion/rohingya-bangladesh-myanmar.html |title=How the Rohingya Crisis Is Changing Bangladesh |last=Joehnk |first=Tom Felix |date=6 October 2017 |work=The New York Times |access-date=8 February 2019 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=9 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209125005/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/06/opinion/rohingya-bangladesh-myanmar.html |url-status=live}}

Hasina supported calls to remove the Statue of Justice in front of the Supreme Court. This was seen as the government bowing down to the pressure of those who use religion for political ends.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/26/lady-justice-statue-bangladesh-removed-islamist-objections |title=Lady Justice statue in Bangladesh is removed after Islamist objections |first=Michael |last=Safi |date=26 May 2017 |work=The Guardian |access-date=28 January 2019 |archive-date=28 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228012027/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/26/lady-justice-statue-bangladesh-removed-islamist-objections |url-status=live}}

Hasina is a patron of the Asian University for Women, led by Chancellor Cherie Blair, and including the First Lady of Japan, Akie Abe, as well as Irina Bokova, the director-general of UNESCO.{{cite web |title=Educating girls and women is the best way to fight poverty and build peace |url=http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/educating_girls_and_women_is_the_best_way_to_fight_poverty/ |publisher=UNESCO |access-date=27 July 2017 |archive-date=7 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907041547/http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/educating_girls_and_women_is_the_best_way_to_fight_poverty/ |url-status=live}}

{{See also|Fourth Hasina ministry}}

Hasina won her third consecutive term, her fourth overall, when her Awami League won 288 of the 300 parliamentary seats. The leader of the main opposition alliance, Kamal Hossain, declared the vote "farcical" and rejected the results. Before the election, Human Rights Watch and other rights organisations had accused the government of creating an intimidating environment for the Opposition.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/31/world/asia/bangladesh-election-sheikh-hasina-contested.html |title=Bangladesh's Leader Wins a Third Term but Opposition Contests Results |last1=Manik |first1=Julfikar Ali |date=31 December 2018 |work=The New York Times |access-date=8 February 2019 |last2=Abi-Habib |first2=Maria |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=9 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124735/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/31/world/asia/bangladesh-election-sheikh-hasina-contested.html |url-status=live}} The New York Times editorial board described the election as farcical, the editorial stated that it was likely Hasina would have won without vote-rigging and questioned why she did so.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/14/opinion/editorials/bangladesh-election-sheikh-hasina.html |title=Bangladesh's Farcical Vote |author=The Editorial Board |date=14 January 2019 |work=The New York Times |access-date=8 February 2019 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=9 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124520/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/14/opinion/editorials/bangladesh-election-sheikh-hasina.html |url-status=live}}

The BNP, the main opposition party that has been out of power for 12 years and boycotted the 2014 general election, fared extremely poorly. Winning only eight seats, the party and its Jatiya Oikya Front alliance have been marginalised to the weakest opposition ever since Bangladesh's post-Ershad democratic restoration in 1991.{{Cite news |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/election/2018/12/30/11th-general-election-awami-league-takes-massive-lead-as-vote-counting-continues |title=Awami League wins five more years |date=30 December 2018 |work=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=8 August 2019 |archive-date=8 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808114322/https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/election/2018/12/30/11th-general-election-awami-league-takes-massive-lead-as-vote-counting-continues |url-status=live}}

File:18th Summit of Non-Aligned Movement gets underway in Baku 088.jpg]]

In May 2021, Hasina provided the inaugural address for the opening of a new headquarters for the Bangladesh Post Office, named the Dak Bhaban. In her address, Hasina urged for further development of the postal service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. Developmental measures outlined in the address include continuing the service's digital transformation, and the construction of cooling units in postal warehouses to pave the way for the sending of perishable food by mail.{{cite news |title=PM Hasina urges postal department to start online business |work=Dhaka Tribune |date=27 May 2021 |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2021/05/27/pm-opens-newly-constructed-dak-bhaban-for-directorate-of-posts |access-date=28 May 2021 |archive-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527065047/https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2021/05/27/pm-opens-newly-constructed-dak-bhaban-for-directorate-of-posts |url-status=live}}

File:First Minister Nicola Sturgeon meets with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (51650701244).jpg Nicola Sturgeon with Hasina in COP26 in 2021]]

In January 2022, the government passed a law in the Jatiya Sangsad establishing the Universal Pension Scheme. All Bangladeshi citizens, including expatriates, between 18 and 60 years old are eligible to receive a monthly stipend under the scheme.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/business/economy/news/universal-pension-scheme-what-it-and-how-it-will-work-3234871 |title=Universal pension scheme: What it is and how it will work |date=31 January 2023 |access-date=10 March 2023 |work=The Daily Star |last=Zaman |first=Md Asaduz |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230310034233/https://www.thedailystar.net/business/economy/news/universal-pension-scheme-what-it-and-how-it-will-work-3234871 |archive-date=10 March 2023 |url-status=live}}

By the end of fiscal year 2021–22, Bangladesh's external debt reached $95.86 billion, a 238% increase from 2011.{{cite news |title=Bangladesh's foreign debt more than triples in 10 years |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/bangladeshs-foreign-debt-more-triples-10-years-547358 |access-date=9 December 2022 |work=The Business Standard |date=7 December 2022 |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208173812/https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/bangladeshs-foreign-debt-more-triples-10-years-547358 |url-status=live}} The period is also marked by massive irregularities in the banking sector of the country where the amount of default loans went from less than {{BDTConvert|23000|c}} in 2009{{cite news |title=Defaulted loans rise by 417pc since 2009: study |url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/116978/defaulted-loans-rise-by-417pc-since-2009-study |access-date=16 December 2022 |work=New Age |language=en |archive-date=16 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216224053/https://www.newagebd.net/article/116978/defaulted-loans-rise-by-417pc-since-2009-study |url-status=live}} to more than {{BDTConvert|250000|c}} in 2019 according to IMF.{{cite news |last1=Taleb |first1=Sheikh Abu |title=Default loans in Bangladesh's banks keep swelling |url=https://bdnews24.com/economy/66uoc4iqzd |access-date=16 December 2022 |work=bdnews24.com |language=en |archive-date=16 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216224050/https://bdnews24.com/economy/66uoc4iqzd#:~:text=After%20the%20situation%20started%20to,what%20Bangladesh%20Bank%20data%20showed. |url-status=live}}

In July 2022, the Finance Ministry requested fiscal assistance from the International Monetary Fund. The government cited depleting foreign-exchange reserves as a result of the sanctions in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A staff level agreement was reached in November 2022 and in January 2023, the IMF agreed to supply a support programme totalling US$4.7 billion, consisting of US$3.3 billion under the Extended Credit Facility and US$1.4 billion under the new Resilience and Sustainability Facility. The IMF stated support package "will help preserve macroeconomic stability, protect the vulnerable and foster inclusive and green growth."{{Cite news |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/economy/2023/03/04/cash-strapped-countries-face-imf-bailout-delays |title=IMF board approves $4.7 billion support program for Bangladesh |date=31 January 2023 |access-date=12 March 2023 |work=Dhaka Tribune |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230312160416/https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2023/01/31/imf-board-approves-47-billion-support-program-for-bangladesh |archive-date=12 March 2023 |url-status=live}}

In December 2022, anti-government protests broke out, linked to the rising costs, demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister.{{Cite news |last1=Sud |first1=Vedika |last2=Xiong |first2=Yong |date=11 December 2022 |title=Tens of thousands protest in Bangladesh to demand resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/11/asia/bangladesh-protests-prime-minister-sheikh-hasina-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=11 December 2022 |work=CNN |language=en |archive-date=11 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211221037/https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/11/asia/bangladesh-protests-prime-minister-sheikh-hasina-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live}}

On 28 December, Hasina opened the first phase of Dhaka Metro Rail, the country's first mass-rapid transit system from Uttara to Agargaon.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/special-events/dhaka-metro-rail-opening/news/pm-opens-countrys-first-metro-rail-3207081 |title=PM opens country's first metro rail |date=28 December 2022 |access-date=10 March 2023 |work=The Daily Star |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230115043453/https://www.thedailystar.net/special-events/dhaka-metro-rail-opening/news/pm-opens-countrys-first-metro-rail-3207081 |archive-date=15 January 2023 |url-status=live}}

File:Sheikh Hasina in 2023.jpg, Gopalganj in February 2023]]

During the 2023 G20 New Delhi summit, Hasina had a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss diversifying India-Bangladesh cooperation, including areas like connectivity and commercial linkages.{{cite news |date=8 September 2023 |title=PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina hold talks on diversifying India-Bangladesh cooperation |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-sheikh-hasina-hold-talks-on-diversifying-india-bangladesh-cooperation/article67286336.ece |work=The Hindu |access-date=11 September 2023 |archive-date=9 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230909165529/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-sheikh-hasina-hold-talks-on-diversifying-india-bangladesh-cooperation/article67286336.ece |url-status=live }} She was accompanied by her daughter Saima Wazed, who is a candidate for a WHO election.{{cite news |date=8 September 2023 |title=Sheikh Hasina daughter, candidate for WHO election, likely to join mother during G20 summit |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/sheikh-hasina-daughter-candidate-for-who-election-likely-to-join-mother-during-g20-summit-2677859 |work=Deccan Herald |access-date=11 September 2023 |archive-date=8 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908135743/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/sheikh-hasina-daughter-candidate-for-who-election-likely-to-join-mother-during-g20-summit-2677859 |url-status=live }} The summit also provided an opportunity for Hasina to meet other global leaders and strengthen Bangladesh's bilateral ties.{{cite web |date=8 September 2023 |title=PM to hold three bilateral meetings with Mauritius PM, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and US President at his residence in New Delhi |url=https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pm-to-hold-three-bilateral-meetings-with-mauritius-pm-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-and-us-president-at-his-residence-in-new-delhi/ |publisher=PM India |access-date=11 September 2023 |archive-date=3 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003054554/https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pm-to-hold-three-bilateral-meetings-with-mauritius-pm-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-and-us-president-at-his-residence-in-new-delhi/ |url-status=live }}

{{See also|Fifth Hasina ministry|Student–People's uprising}}

File:Hasina and Ilham in Munich 2024.jpg Ilham Aliyev at the 60th Munich Security Conference in 2024]]

In January 2024 Hasina won her fourth consecutive term when her party, the Awami League, won 224 of the 300 parliamentary seats amidst a low voter turnout in an election boycotted by the main opposition.{{Cite news |date=7 January 2024 |title=Bangladesh election: PM Sheikh Hasina wins fourth term in controversial vote |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67889387 |access-date=5 August 2024 |language=en-GB |archive-date=7 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107212214/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67889387 |url-status=live }} She was inaugurated on 11 January.{{cite news |title=Hasina sworn in as PM for fifth term |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/hasina-sworn-pm-fifth-term-3516871 |access-date=11 January 2024 |work=The Daily Star}}{{cite news |author1=Ali Asif Shawon |title=Sheikh Hasina sworn in for historic 5th term |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/government-affairs/336508/sheikh-hasina-sworn-in-as-prime-minister |access-date=11 January 2024 |work=Dhaka Tribune}}

In May 2024, Sheikh Hasina claimed that a "white country" was plotting to topple her government and claimed that she would be promised trouble-free elections in January if she allowed a "white country" to set up an airbase in Bangladesh. She also alleged that there was a conspiracy to create a Christian country on the lines of East Timor and Myanmar.{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/plot-afoot-new-state-carved-out-bangladesh-myanmar-3617251|title=Plot afoot for new state carved out of Bangladesh, Myanmar|date=24 May 2024|newspaper=The Daily Star|access-date=12 August 2024|archive-date=12 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812030452/https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/plot-afoot-new-state-carved-out-bangladesh-myanmar-3617251|url-status=live}}

In June 2024, the prime minister Hasina had visited India.{{cite magazine | last=Rizve | first=Saqlain | title=Bangladesh's Tough Tightrope Walk Between India and China | magazine=The Diplomat | date=2024-07-17 | url=https://thediplomat.com/2024/07/bangladeshs-tough-tightrope-walk-between-india-and-china/ | access-date=2024-07-18 | archive-date=12 August 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812083601/https://thediplomat.com/2024/07/bangladeshs-tough-tightrope-walk-between-india-and-china/ | url-status=live }} In July 2024, at the invitation of the premier of China Li Qiang, Sheikh Hasina paid an official visit to China.{{cite news | last=Kanunjna | first=Anupam Deb | title=Bangladesh PM visits Beijing as China, India eye influence | work=Deutsche Welle | date=2024-07-08 | url=https://www.dw.com/en/bangladesh-pm-visits-beijing-as-china-india-eye-influence/a-69598222 | access-date=2024-07-18 | archive-date=14 August 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814020750/https://www.dw.com/en/bangladesh-pm-visits-beijing-as-china-india-eye-influence/a-69598222 | url-status=live }} As she visited India a month ago, this visit to China is also seen as her attempt to seek opportunities to mediate between China and India.{{cite news | title=Bangladesh prefers India over China in $1 billion river project | work=The Economic Times | date=2024-07-15 | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/bangladesh-prefers-india-over-china-in-1-billion-river-project/articleshow/111751142.cms?from=mdr | access-date=2024-07-18 | archive-date=18 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718162433/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/bangladesh-prefers-india-over-china-in-1-billion-river-project/articleshow/111751142.cms?from=mdr | url-status=live }}{{cite news | title=Days After India Visit, Bangladesh PM In China To Hold Talks With Xi Jinping | work=NDTV | date=2019-02-22 | url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/days-after-india-visit-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-in-china-to-hold-talks-with-xi-jinping-li-qiang-6072228 | access-date=2024-07-18 | archive-date=18 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718162433/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/days-after-india-visit-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-in-china-to-hold-talks-with-xi-jinping-li-qiang-6072228 | url-status=live }}

In the same month of Hasina's state visit to China, protests broke out in support of reforming the quota system.{{cite news |last1=Hasnat |first1=Saif |date=11 July 2024 |title=Tens of Thousands of Students Protest Job Quotas in Bangladesh's Streets |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/11/world/asia/bandladesh-student-protests-job-quotas.html |url-access= |access-date=15 July 2024 |work=The New York Times |archive-date=15 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715023641/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/11/world/asia/bandladesh-student-protests-job-quotas.html |url-status=live }} In response, Hasina stated in a press conference, {{blockquote|"If the grandchildren of freedom fighters don't get quota benefits, will those then go to the grandchildren of the Razakars? That's my question to the countrymen."{{Cite web|url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-pm-hasinas-razakar-barb-became-catchword-of-bangladesh-protests-heres-what-it-means-742602|title=How PM Hasina's 'razakar' barb became catchword of Bangladesh protests; here's what it means|website=WION|date=20 July 2024|access-date=4 August 2024|archive-date=4 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804192747/https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-pm-hasinas-razakar-barb-became-catchword-of-bangladesh-protests-heres-what-it-means-742602|url-status=live}}}}

Protesters interpreted this as her referring to them as Razakars and adopted the title in some of their slogans.{{Cite news |url=https://www.jaijaidinbd.com/education/477574|script-title=bn:মধ্যরাতে 'তুমি কে, আমি কে, রাজাকার রাজাকার' স্লোগানে উত্তাল ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়|language=bn|work=Jaijaidin|date=15 July 2024|access-date=4 August 2024|archive-date=26 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726073957/https://www.jaijaidinbd.com/education/477574|url-status=live}}{{cite news |date=15 July 2024 |title=Protest erupts at Dhaka University over PM's quota remarks |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/352117/protests-erupt-at-dhaka-university-over-pm's-quota |work=Dhaka Tribune}} The protests later turned violent, involving police, the armed forces, and members of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League, resulting in over 2000+ deaths and more than 20,000 injuries.{{cite news |script-title=bn:কোটা সংস্কার আন্দোলন: সংঘর্ষে নিহত ৬|url=https://www.rtvonline.com/bangladesh/282948|work=RTV|access-date=16 July 2024|language=bn|archive-date=6 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806004036/https://www.rtvonline.com/bangladesh/282948|url-status=live}}{{cite news |script-title=bn:সারাদেশে সহিংসতায় নিহত ১১ |trans-title=11 killed in violence across the country |url=https://www.rtvonline.com/bangladesh/283229 |access-date=18 July 2024 |work=RTV |language=bn |archive-date=18 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718125703/https://www.rtvonline.com/bangladesh/283229 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Drenched in blood – how Bangladesh protests turned deadly |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4ng5v03gd4o |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=4 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804023456/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4ng5v03gd4o |url-status=live }} The government then shut down internet access for all non-essential purposes, conducted a massive crackdown on protestors with the help of the armed forces, and imposed a curfew that lasted five days.{{Cite news |date=19 July 2024 |title=Bangladesh wakes to TV, internet blackout as deadly protests spike |url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240719-deadly-clashes-between-police-and-students-during-protests-in-bangladesh |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=France 24 |language=en |archive-date=24 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724110442/https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240719-deadly-clashes-between-police-and-students-during-protests-in-bangladesh |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Shih |first=Gerry |date=19 July 2024 |title=Bangladesh imposes curfew after dozens killed in anti-government protests |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/07/19/bangladesh-demonstrations-police-hasina/ |access-date=24 July 2024 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=20 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720085158/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/07/19/bangladesh-demonstrations-police-hasina/ |url-status=live }} The Supreme Court agreed to reform the quota system,{{cite news | url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/21/asia/bangladesh-supreme-court-rolls-back-job-quotas-intl/index.html | title=Bangladesh's top court rolls back some job quotas after deadly protests | date=21 July 2024 | access-date=4 August 2024 | archive-date=26 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726152608/https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/07/21/asia/bangladesh-supreme-court-rolls-back-job-quotas-intl | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240721-bangladesh-s-top-court-scales-back-discriminatory-job-quota-system-after-deadly-protests | title=Bangladesh's top court scales back 'discriminatory' job quota system after deadly protests | date=21 July 2024 | access-date=4 August 2024 | archive-date=4 August 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804205527/https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240721-bangladesh-s-top-court-scales-back-discriminatory-job-quota-system-after-deadly-protests | url-status=live }} but the protesters then demanded justice for those killed during the demonstrations and an official apology from Hasina and the resignation of certain ministers they believed were responsible for inciting violence.{{cite news |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/bangladesh-protests-resume-after-ultimatum-ignored-curfew-sheikh-hasina-4511596 |title=Bangladesh protests resume after ultimatum ignored |website=CNA |date=29 July 2024 |access-date=29 July 2024 |archive-date=29 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729124036/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/bangladesh-protests-resume-after-ultimatum-ignored-curfew-sheikh-hasina-4511596 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=23 July 2024 |title=In Bangladesh, protests are no longer about the quota system |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/7/23/bangladesh-protests-are-no-longer-about-the-quota-system |publisher=Aljazeera |type=Opinion |access-date=25 July 2024 |archive-date=25 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725122503/https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/7/23/bangladesh-protests-are-no-longer-about-the-quota-system |url-status=live }} On 3 August, the protest organisers issued a single demand and announced a non-cooperation movement,{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/its-now-one-point-demand-3668751|title=It's now one point|work=The Daily Star|date=3 August 2024|access-date=3 August 2024|archive-date=3 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803122001/https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/its-now-one-point-demand-3668751|url-status=live}} calling for the resignation of Hasina and her entire cabinet.{{Cite news |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/353558/one-point-demand-protesters-call-for-pm-hasina-to|title=One-point demand: Protesters call for PM Hasina to step down|work=Dhaka Tribune|date=3 August 2024}}

{{Main|Resignation of Sheikh Hasina}}

File:People cheering in front of the Prime Minister's Office after Sheikh Hasina's resignation.jpg, after Sheikh Hasina's resignation]]

Hasina resigned on 5 August 2024, as large crowds of demonstrators surrounded the prime minister's residence.Mujib Mashal, Shayeza Walid and Saif Hasnat, [https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/06/world/asia/bangladesh-hasina-final-hours.html Bangladesh's Leader Fled Just Ahead of an Angry Crowd, Urged by Family to Go] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807173507/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/06/world/asia/bangladesh-hasina-final-hours.html |date=7 August 2024 }}, New York Times (6 August 2024). Her resignation was announced by General Waker-uz-Zaman, the Chief of the Army Staff.{{efn|Multiple references:{{cite news |author1=Isaac Yee |author2=Tanbirul Miraj Ripon |title=Bangladesh prime minister resigns as deadly anti-government rallies grip nation |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/05/asia/bangladesh-prime-minister-residence-stormed-intl/index.html |work=CNN |date=5 August 2024 |language=en |access-date=5 August 2024 |archive-date=7 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807132434/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/05/asia/bangladesh-prime-minister-residence-stormed-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Sheikh Hasina lands at Hindon Air Base near Delhi, after resigning as Bangladesh PM |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/sheikh-hasina-lands-at-hindon-air-base-after-resigning-as-bangladesh-pm/articleshow/112291984.cms?from=mdr |work=The Economic Times |date=5 August 2024 |access-date=5 August 2024 |archive-date=5 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805130424/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/sheikh-hasina-lands-at-hindon-air-base-after-resigning-as-bangladesh-pm/articleshow/112291984.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Anant |title=Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigns, army chief says |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/08/05/bangladesh-prime-minister-hasina-resigns/ |newspaper=Washington Post |date=5 August 2024}}{{Cite news |last1=Alam |first1=Julhas |last2=Pathi |first2=Krutika |date=5 August 2024 |title=Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigns and leaves Bangladesh, ending 15-year rule |url=https://apnews.com/article/bangladesh-hasina-student-protest-quota-violence-fdc7f2632c3d8fcbd913e6c0a1903fd4 |access-date=5 August 2024 |work=Associated Press |archive-date=5 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805102752/https://apnews.com/article/bangladesh-hasina-student-protest-quota-violence-fdc7f2632c3d8fcbd913e6c0a1903fd4 |url-status=live }}}} Later that day, Hasina fled to India in a chaotic departure, first by car, then by helicopter, and finally by plane. She left with no resignation speech.

Hasina reportedly flew in a Bangladesh Air Force C-130 transport to Hindon Air Force base in Ghaziabad, India, where she was received by the Indian national security advisor Ajit Doval along with other senior military officials.{{efn|Multiple references:{{cite news |title=Sheikh Hasina resigns LIVE updates: Army to form interim government amid Bangladesh crisis |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/bangladesh-protests-live-updates-students-protest-august-5-sheikh-hasina/article68486955.ece |access-date=5 August 2024 |date=5 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805104315/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/bangladesh-protests-live-updates-students-protest-august-5-sheikh-hasina/article68486955.ece |archive-date=5 August 2024 |language=en-IN}}{{Cite news |last=Dhar |first=Aniruddha |date=5 August 2024 |title=Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigns, flees country as protestors storm palace |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-resigns-flees-country-as-protesters-storm-palace-report-101722850283514.html |access-date=5 August 2024 |work=Hindustan Times |archive-date=8 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808061244/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-resigns-flees-country-as-protesters-storm-palace-report-101722850283514.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Bangladesh protests: Sheikh Hasina resigns as Bangladesh PM, leaves country with sister: reports |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/sheik-hasina-resigns-as-bangladesh-pm-leaves-country-with-sister/article68487831.ece |access-date=5 August 2024 |date=5 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805104325/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/sheik-hasina-resigns-as-bangladesh-pm-leaves-country-with-sister/article68487831.ece |archive-date=5 August 2024 |language=en-IN}} to India.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9033zpv0nvo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805114845/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9033zpv0nvo|archive-date=5 August 2024|access-date=5 August 2024|url-status=live|title=How Bangladesh's protests ended Sheikh Hasina's 15-year reign|first=Anbarasan|last=Ethirajan|date=5 August 2024|publisher=BBC News}}|name="Multiplereference1"}} Indian foreign minister S. Jaishankar told the Parliament, "At very short notice, she requested approval to come for the moment to India." Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, initially said that she would not return to politics and planned to "stay in Delhi for a little while" before her next destination, but subsequently said on 7 August that she and the Awami League would remain active in the Bangladeshi political scene{{Cite news |title=Nobel laureate Yunus arrives in Bangladesh to take over as interim leader |url=https://apnews.com/article/bangladesh-yunus-hasina-student-protests-8e72489d3f05ab50f1ea4564e5ad23aa |access-date=8 August 2024 |work=Associated Press |language=en |archive-date=8 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808063054/https://apnews.com/article/bangladesh-yunus-hasina-student-protests-8e72489d3f05ab50f1ea4564e5ad23aa |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Hasina won't return to politics: Joy |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/hasina-wont-return-politics-joy-3670081 |work=The Daily Star |date=5 August 2024 |access-date=5 August 2024 |archive-date=7 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807132936/https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/hasina-wont-return-politics-joy-3670081 |url-status=live }} and that she would return to the country once elections were declared.{{Cite news |date=10 August 2024 |title=Son says Hasina will return to Bangladesh |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy54l10z71lo |access-date=10 August 2024 |work=BBC News |language=en |archive-date=10 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810060344/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy54l10z71lo |url-status=live }} He also insisted that Sheikh Hasina was still the prime minister, saying that she was unable to formally submit her resignation after being forced to flee from the protesters.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/bangladeshs-hasina-did-not-resign-before-fleeing-delhi-says-son-adviser-2024-08-09/|title=Bangladesh's Hasina did not resign before fleeing, son says|first=Krishna N.|last=Das|date=10 August 2024|work=Reuters}} Hasina had hoped to go to London, but the United Kingdom reportedly rebuffed initial overtures seeking political asylum. She reportedly considered seeking temporary residence in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, or Qatar. Because her nephew lives in Finland, that country was speculated as a possible destination. Although Sajeeb Wazed lives in the U.S., she is considered unlikely to seek asylum there, as the U.S. government criticized her rule in Bangladesh.{{cite news|url=https://www.firstpost.com/world/as-uk-rebuffs-hasinas-asylum-request-she-looks-for-alternatives-in-uae-saudi-arabia-finland-13801955.html|title=As UK rebuffs Hasina's asylum request, she looks for alternatives in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Finland|newspaper=Firstpost|date=7 August 2024|access-date=7 August 2024|archive-date=7 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807174523/https://www.firstpost.com/world/as-uk-rebuffs-hasinas-asylum-request-she-looks-for-alternatives-in-uae-saudi-arabia-finland-13801955.html|url-status=live}}

Hasina was living in a secret location in India under tight security as of August 2024.{{Cite news |date=6 August 2024 |title=Hasina moved to secure location in India |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/353859/hasina-moved-to-secure-location-in-india |access-date=6 August 2024 |work=Dhaka Tribune |language=en}} Sajeeb Wazed said that the protests which led to her resignation had support from a foreign intelligence agency, without naming any country.{{Cite news |date=2024-08-11 |title='I could have stayed in power if ...': Sheikh Hasina claims US role in her ouster from Bangladesh |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/i-could-have-stayed-in-power-if-sheikh-hasina-claims-us-role-in-her-ouster-from-bangladesh/articleshow/112441112.cms |access-date=2024-08-11 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=11 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811092723/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/i-could-have-stayed-in-power-if-sheikh-hasina-claims-us-role-in-her-ouster-from-bangladesh/articleshow/112441112.cms |url-status=live }} In a statement published in the Indian media on 11 August, she accused the United States of influencing her resignation, and previously accused the United States of conspiring to oust her in the Jatiya Sangsad.{{Cite news |title=Sheikh Hasina's Undelivered Speech Had Big Charge Against US |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/sheikh-hasina-awami-league-bangladesh-protests-could-have-stayed-in-power-if-sheikh-hasinas-undelivered-speech-6312541 |access-date=2024-08-11 |work=NDTV |archive-date=9 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909172324/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/sheikh-hasina-awami-league-bangladesh-protests-could-have-stayed-in-power-if-sheikh-hasinas-undelivered-speech-6312541 |url-status=live }} However, Wazed called the statement "false and fabricated" and said Hasina "did not give any statement before or after leaving Dhaka".{{cite news |title=Joy denies Hasina's alleged statement on US role in ouster|work=Dhaka Tribune |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/354439/joy-denies-hasina%E2%80%99s-alleged-statement-on-us-role |access-date=11 August 2024 |date=12 August 2024}} The White House also denied allegations of any US involvement.{{Cite news |title=US rejects involvement in removing Hasina from power |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/354576/us-rejects-involvement-in-removing-hasina-from |access-date=2024-08-13 |work=Dhaka Tribune |language=en}} On 13 August, Hasina released her first confirmed statements since her overthrow published by Wazed Joy calling for an investigation into the killings made during the protests, while insisting that police and the Awami League were also victims of "terrorist aggression".{{Cite news |date=2024-08-14 |title=Bangladesh's ex-Premier Hasina calls for probe into killings during unrest that led to her ouster |url=https://apnews.com/article/bangladesh-hasina-protest-murder-case-yunus-2ade106afabd85a0d9e58a7188e39e56 |access-date=2024-08-14 |work=Associated Press|first=Julhas|last=Alam |language=en |archive-date=14 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814021955/https://apnews.com/article/bangladesh-hasina-protest-murder-case-yunus-2ade106afabd85a0d9e58a718o39e56 |url-status=live }}

{{Empty section|date=December 2024}}

{{Main|Controversies related to Sheikh Hasina}}

{{Update-section|date=February 2025}}

{{Further|July massacre}}

The July massacre was one of the most violent crackdowns in Bangladesh's history, ordered by Sheikh Hasina's government to suppress 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement. The protest began as a peaceful demonstration demanding reforms of the quota system, but it quickly escalated into a nationwide movement. In July 2024, security forces, including the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police, opened fire on unarmed students, many of whom were between the ages of 5 and 30 years old.{{cite news |title=Bangladesh: Security Forces Target Unarmed Students |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/07/22/bangladesh-security-forces-target-unarmed-students |work=Human Rights Watch |date=22 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921110205/https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/07/22/bangladesh-security-forces-target-unarmed-students |archive-date=21 September 2024 |language=en |access-date=6 November 2024 |url-status=live }} Quota reform movement later escalated into July Revolution that overthrown Hasina.

The interim government officially reported 875 deaths.{{Cite web |last1=Asadullah |first1=Muhammad |last2=Ritu |first2=Nousheen Sharmila |date=2024-09-20 |title=Prosecuting the perpetrators of July–August massacre: A case for restorative justice |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/views/news/prosecuting-the-perpetrators-july-august-massacre-case-restorative-justice-3707766 |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=The Daily Star (Bangladesh) |language=en |archive-date=22 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922002517/https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/views/news/prosecuting-the-perpetrators-july-august-massacre-case-restorative-justice-3707766 |url-status=live }} Many more were injured or arrested. Witnesses reported that government forces used excessive force, including live ammunition and tear gas, in areas where peaceful protests were ongoing.{{Cite news |title=Bangladesh protests turn deadly: Students killed by security forces |url= https://www.thedailystar.net/tags/bangladesh-july-massacre |newspaper=The daily star|access-date=10 October 2024}}

The massacre drew widespread condemnation from both domestic and international bodies, with Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International calling for independent investigations into the killings. The government has been accused of trying to cover up the true extent of the violence by pressuring hospitals to underreport casualties and censoring media coverage.{{Cite web |title=Bangladesh: July 2024 Massacre and Government Suppression |url= https://www.thedailystar.net/tags/bangladesh-july-massacre |website=The daily star |access-date=10 October 2024}}

Sheikh Hasina's government has faced repeated allegations of manipulating elections to maintain power. The 2014 general election, boycotted by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led to a one-sided result, with the ruling Awami League winning most seats uncontested.{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/one-sided-bangladesh-election-raises-fear-of-one-party-rule-/7433199.html|title=One-Sided Bangladesh Election Raises Fear of One-Party Rule|date=9 January 2024|website=Voice of America|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003112003/https://www.voanews.com/a/one-sided-bangladesh-election-raises-fear-of-one-party-rule-/7433199.html|access-date=23 October 2024|archive-date=3 October 2024|url-status=live}} Similar accusations surfaced in the 2018 election, with widespread reports of vote rigging and obstruction of opposition voters.{{cite news |title=Bangladesh election marred by 'vote-rigging', deadly violence and media crackdown fears |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/bangladesh-election-parliament-latest-polls-vote-rigging-violence-hasina-internet-a8704146.html |work=The Independent |date=30 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620181306/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/bangladesh-election-parliament-latest-polls-vote-rigging-violence-hasina-internet-a8704146.html |archive-date=20 June 2024 |language=en}}

Under Hasina's government, opposition leaders, particularly from the BNP, have been frequently arrested or harassed. The imprisonment of BNP leader Khaleda Zia on corruption charges is seen by many{{cite news |title=Bangladesh Opposition Leader Zia in Prison a Year |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/02/08/bangladesh-opposition-leader-zia-prison-year |work=Human Rights Watch |date=8 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602083812/https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/02/08/bangladesh-opposition-leader-zia-prison-year |archive-date=2 June 2024 |language=en |access-date=6 November 2024 |url-status=live }} as a politically motivated move to weaken the opposition.{{cite news |title=Bangladesh ex-PM Khaleda Zia jailed amid clashes |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-42987765 |work=BBC News |date=8 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721154817/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-42987765 |archive-date=21 July 2024 |access-date=6 November 2024 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |agency=Agence France-Presse |title=Violent protests as opposition leader is jailed in Bangladesh |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/08/violent-protests-opposition-leader-jailed-bangladesh-khaleda-zia |work=The Guardian |date=8 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825194604/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/08/violent-protests-opposition-leader-jailed-bangladesh-khaleda-zia |archive-date=25 August 2024 |access-date=6 November 2024 |url-status=live }} Hasina's government has also cracked down on media freedom, using laws like the Digital Security Act to detain journalists and activists critical of the regime.{{Cite news |last=Chowdhury |first=Tanvir |date=21 May 2020 |title=Bangladesh using controversial law to 'gag media, free speech' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/5/21/bangladesh-using-controversial-law-to-gag-media-free-speech |access-date=17 December 2024 |newspaper=Al Jazeera}}

{{Further|Extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in Bangladesh|Aynaghar}}

Human rights groups have condemned Sheikh Hasina's government for its use of midnight arrests and enforced disappearances, particularly targeting political opponents, activists, and journalists. Security forces like the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) are accused of abducting individuals from their homes during the night, many of whom were never seen again.{{cite news|title=Bangladesh: End Disappearances and Secret Detentions|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/07/06/bangladesh-end-disappearances-and-secret-detentions|work=Human Rights Watch|date=6 July 2017|language=en|access-date=6 November 2024|archive-date=9 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909163036/https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/07/06/bangladesh-end-disappearances-and-secret-detentions|url-status=live}} Victims of these disappearances often included opposition members or activists who were critical of the regime. These practices have led to international outcry, with the United States imposing sanctions on RAB in 2021 for its involvement in human rights violations.{{cite news |last1=Mahmud |first1=Faisal |title=Are sanctions on RAB a shift in US policy towards Bangladesh? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/12/15/bangladesh-rab-us-sanction-biden-policy-shift |work=Al Jazeera |date=15 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819101808/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/12/15/bangladesh-rab-us-sanction-biden-policy-shift |archive-date=19 August 2024 |language=en}}

{{Main|Corruption in Bangladesh}}

On 9 April 2012, Railway Minister Suranjit Sengupta's assistant personal secretary, general manager of the eastern region, and commandant of security were driving to Suranjit's residence with 7.4 million taka of bribe money, when the driver Azam Khan turned them in.{{cite news|url=http://www.weeklyblitz.net/2250/slap-on-the-ugly-face-of-corrupt-suranjit|title=Slap on the ugly face of corrupt Suranjit|last=Majumder|first=Srabanti|date=13 April 2012|newspaper=Weekly Blitz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127052410/http://www.weeklyblitz.net/2250/slap-on-the-ugly-face-of-corrupt-suranjit|archive-date=27 January 2013|access-date=8 April 2013}}{{cite news |title=Tk 74 lakh was going to house of Suranjit |url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=252647 |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=6 October 2012 |access-date=8 April 2013}}

In 2012, World Bank alleged that Syed Abul Hossain was one of the corruption conspirators in the Padma Bridge Scandal.{{Cite news |last1=Khan |first1=Sharier |last2=Azad |first2=M Abul Kalam |date=11 July 2014 |title=Failed company to get $0.78b Padma job |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/failed-company-to-get-0-78b-padma-job-32820 |newspaper=The Daily Star}} He resigned from his office on 23 July 2012.{{Cite news |date=23 August 2012 |title=Zillur accepts Abul Hossain's resignation |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2012/08/23/zillur-accepts-abul-hossain-s-resignation |newspaper=bdnews24 |access-date=25 October 2015}} Former state minister for foreign affairs and MP of Awami League Abul Hasan Chowdhury was also involved in that corruption plot. Another person involved in this case was Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury. He is the nephew of Sheikh Hasina, a member of parliament, and also a civil contractor. SNC-Lavalin admitted to bribing him in order to obtain contracts{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-239939 |title=Names should not be disclosed now |work=The Daily Star |date=27 June 2012}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-239177 |title=Padma bridge bribe was ready for 6 |work=The Daily Star |date=21 June 2012}} Soon after the case emanated, Sheikh Hasina disavowed her nephew and campaigned for his opponent during the 2014 Bangladeshi general election.{{Cite news |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/uncategorized/2013/12/26/hasina-do-not-vote-for-padma-scam-accused |title=Hasina: Do not vote for Padma scam accused |work=Dhaka Tribune |date=26 December 2013}}

On 29 August 2012, Anti Corruption Commission of Bangladesh said that they have the information that Syed Modasser Ali, adviser to the prime minister Sheikh Hasina, allegedly influenced Sonali Bank authorities into granting scam loan to the controversial Hallmark Group.{{Cite news|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-247643|title=Adviser's shadow in Hallmark scam|date=30 August 2012|newspaper=The Daily Star|language=en|access-date=27 January 2017}}

On 24 April 2013, a commercial building named Rana Plaza in Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh collapsed due to structural failure. That building was owned by Sohel Rana, a Jubo League (youth wing of Bangladesh Awami League) leader.

On 27 April 2014, the incident named Narayanganj Seven murder occurred. The main plotter of that incident, Nur Hossain, was the vice-president of Siddhirganj Awami League.{{Cite news|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/nur-hossain-truck-driver-mafia-don-1346413|title=Nur Hossain: From trucker's helper to mafia don|date=17 January 2017|newspaper=The Daily Star|language=en|access-date=29 January 2017}}

On 15 October 2015, Awami League MP Manjurul Islam Liton was arrested for shooting a 9-year-old boy named Shahadat Hossain Shoura.{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/ruling-party-lawmaker-arrested-for-shooting-9-year-old-in-bangladesh/|title=Ruling party lawmaker arrested for shooting 9-year-old in Bangladesh|date=15 October 2015|newspaper=The Indian Express|language=en|access-date=30 January 2017}}

On 10 April 2016, Bangladesh Supreme Court Appellate Division upheld 13-year jail to former minister of Disaster Management and Relief Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya rejecting his review plea seeking acquittal in graft case.{{Cite news |url=http://www.banglanews24.com/national/article/51368/13-yr-jail-to-minister-Maya-upheld|title=13-yr jail to minister Maya upheld|work=banglanews24.com|language=en|access-date=27 January 2017}}{{cite news |title=Court upholds Maya's 13-year jail sentence in corruption case |url=http://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/127441/Court-upholds-Maya%E2%80%99s-13-year-jail-sentence-in-corruption-case |newspaper=Daily Sun |location=Dhaka |date=10 April 2016 |access-date=27 January 2017}}{{cite news |title=SC upholds minister Maya's jail term |url=http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2016/04/10/25588/europe |newspaper=The Financial Express |location=Dhaka |date=10 April 2016 |access-date=27 January 2017}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.clickittefaq.com/graft-case-sc-upholds-13-yr-jail-minister-mofazzal-hossain-maya/|title=SC upholds Maya's jail term|newspaper=The Daily Ittefaq|language=en-US|access-date=27 January 2017}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/politics/sc-upholds-13-yr-jail-sentence-maya-1207033|title=Graft case: 13-yr jail term for Maya remains|date=10 April 2016|newspaper=The Daily Star|language=en|access-date=27 January 2017}}{{Cite news|url=http://thedailynewnation.com/news/89932/mayas-13-yr-jail-upheld.html/|title=Maya's 13-yr jail upheld|newspaper=The New Nation|language=en|access-date=27 January 2017}}

In November 2016, Awami League MP Abdur Rahman Bodi was sentenced to three years of prison and fined US$1 million for illegally amassing and hiding wealth of US$100 million.{{Cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/bangladesh-lawmaker-jailed-for-amassing-illegal-wealth|title=Bangladesh lawmaker jailed for amassing illegal wealth|date=2 November 2016|publisher=Fox News Channel|language=en-US|access-date=26 January 2017}}{{Cite news|url=http://annx.asianews.network/content/bangladeshs-ruling-party-lawmaker-jailed-3-years-31961|title=Bangladesh's ruling party lawmaker jailed for 3 years|last=Sarker|first=Sujit|date=3 November 2016|newspaper=Asia News Network|language=en|access-date=27 January 2017}}

On 13 July 2017, Gazi Tarique Salman, a civil servant (UNO) was harassed by police, local administration,{{Cite news |title=Local administration also harassed UNO over Bangabandhu portrait |url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/2017/07/22/local-administration-also-harassed-uno/ |newspaper=Dhaka Tribune}} and local Awami League leader Obaidullah Saju.{{Cite news |title=Case Against UNO: AL suspends Barisal leader |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/case-against-uno-al-suspends-barisal-leader-1436920 |newspaper=The Daily Star}}

Even though Swiss National Bank (SNB)'s data published on 29 June 2017 shows that Bangladesh has BDT 4423,00,00,00,000 in Swiss banks which is an increase by 20% since 2013–14,{{Cite news |title=Bangladeshis' deposits in Swiss banks rise 20% in 2016 |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2017/06/30/bangladeshis-deposits-in-swiss-banks-rise-20-in-2016 |newspaper=bdnews24.com |date=30 June 2017 |access-date=1 August 2017}}

{{Cite news |title=Bangladesh black money in Swiss banks--a reality check |url=http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2017/07/27/78212/Bangladesh-black-money-in-Swiss-banks--a-reality-check |newspaper=The Financial Express |location=Dhaka |date=27 July 2017 |access-date=1 August 2017}}

Bangladesh's minister of finance Abul Mal Abdul Muhit said that "Media exaggerated rise of Bangladeshi deposit in Swiss banks"{{Cite news |title=Media exaggerated rise of Bangladeshi deposit in Swiss banks: Muhith |url=http://bdnews24.com/business/2017/07/11/media-exaggerated-rise-of-bangladeshi-deposit-in-swiss-banks-muhith |newspaper=bdnews24.com |date=11 July 2017 |access-date=1 August 2017}}

{{Cite news |title=Muhith: Reports on money laundering in Swiss banks are exaggerated |url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/corruption/2017/07/11/money-laundering-swiss-exaggerated/ |newspaper=Dhaka Tribune |date=11 July 2017 |access-date=1 August 2017}}

Bangladesh's anti-corruption commissioner filed cases against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 49 ex-ministers for siphoning more than $150 billion to various countries, including India, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Singapore, Malaysia, UAE, Australia, UK, USA, and New Zealand.{{Cite web |last=GDC |date=2024-08-22 |title=Bangladesh Anti-corruption Commission Investigates Ousted Bangladesh's Prime Minister Hasina, 49 Ex-ministers For Siphoning $150 Billion To India, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Singapore, Malaysia, UAE, Australia, UK, USA And New Zealand, But Exclude General Waker-uz-Zaman |url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2024/08/23/bangladesh-corruption/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=Global Defense Corp |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Should Bangladesh Ban Sheikh Hasina's Awami League? |url=https://thediplomat.com/2024/08/should-bangladesh-ban-sheikh-hasinas-awami-league/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=thediplomat.com |language=en-US}} Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed and niece Tulip Siddiq accused of embezzling more than $5 billion from Rooppur nuclear power plant project that costs Bangladeshi tax payers $12.65 billion.{{Cite news |title=Rosatom rejects allegations of Hasina's embezzling $5b from RNPP |url=https://www.jagonews24.com/en/business/news/76288 |work=Jagonews24}}{{Cite web |last=GDC |date=2024-08-14 |title=Ousted Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was welcomed in India by the Indian intelligence agency RAW, Hasina is a RAW asset |url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2024/08/14/ousted-bangladeshs-prime-minister-sheikh-hasina-was-directly-influenced-by-indian-intelligence-agency-raw/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Global Defense Corp |language=en-US}}

Bangladesh Court imposed travel restrictions on 26 former Awami League ministers under significant corruption investigations.{{Cite web |last=GDC |date=2024-09-03 |title=Bangladesh court imposed travel bans on 26 former ministers amid corruption allegations |url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2024/09/04/bangladesh-court-imposed-travel-bans-on-26-former-ministers-amid-corruption-allegations/ |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=Global Defense Corp |language=en-US}} Al Jazeera's Investigation Exposed Bangladesh's Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury's exclusive property portfolio in Dubai, London, New York, San Francisco, and New Jersey. According to undercover video recordings of the Al Jazeera investigation unit, Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina knew all along about Mr Chowdhury's corruption.{{Cite web |title=The Minister's Millions |url=https://www.ajiunit.com/investigation/the-ministers-millions/ |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Al Jazeera Investigative Unit |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-09-19 |title=Former minister Saifuzzaman owns 360 houses in UK alone |url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/ef9wx4jg09 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Prothomalo |language=en}}

{{See also|Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's cult of personality}}

A prominent point of criticism during Sheikh Hasina's tenure has been the renaming of infrastructure, institutions, and public spaces in honor of her family members, particularly her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh.{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240104-ode-to-the-father-bangladesh-s-political-personality-cult|title=Ode to the father: Bangladesh's political personality cult|date=4 January 2024|website=France 24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805120455/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240104-ode-to-the-father-bangladesh-s-political-personality-cult |access-date=23 October 2024|archive-date=5 August 2024 }} Major projects, such as the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, have either been renamed or established in his name. This practice has also extended to other family members, prompting critics to accuse Hasina of fostering a cult of personality and reinforcing dynastic politics.{{cite news |title=Bangladesh's growing political personality cult around 'Father of the Nation' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/bangladeshs-growing-political-personality-cult-around-father-of-the-nation/article67706051.ece |work=The Hindu |date=5 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518174518/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/bangladeshs-growing-political-personality-cult-around-father-of-the-nation/article67706051.ece |archive-date=18 May 2024 |language=en-IN |access-date=6 November 2024 |url-status=live }}

• List of prime ministers of Bangladesh
• Politics of Bangladesh
• Premiership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
• Presidency of Ziaur Rahman
• Presidency of Hussain Muhammad Ershad
• Interim government of Muhammad Yunus

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-other|Bangladeshi Premierships}}

{{s-bef|before=1996: Habibur
2008: Fakhruddin}}

{{s-ttl|title=Hasina Premiership|years=1996–2001
2008-2024}}

{{s-aft|after=2001: Latifur
2024: Yunus}}

{{s-end}}

{{Sheikh Hasina}}

{{Portal bar|Politics|Bangladesh}}

Category:Bangladeshi premiership

Category:History of Bangladesh