Introduction
Bangladesh, a nation born out of a struggle for democracy and self-determination, has long been a battleground for political power. Since its independence in 1971, the country has oscillated between democracy and authoritarianism. In recent decades, the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, the longest-serving Prime Minister in Bangladesh’s history, has come under intense scrutiny. Her tenure, beginning in 2009 and extending to 2024, has been marked by significant economic growth and infrastructural development. However, it has also been characterized by increasing authoritarianism, suppression of dissent, and erosion of democratic institutions. This article delves into the complexities of Bangladesh’s democracy under Sheikh Hasina, examining the transformation from a fragile democratic state to an increasingly autocratic regime and the eventual fall of her government.
The Rise of Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League
Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Bangladesh’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, rose to prominence as the Awami League (AL) leader, a party at the forefront of Bangladesh’s independence and political history. Her leadership in the 2008 general elections marked a significant turning point for the nation. Running on a platform of economic development, anti-corruption, and secularism, Sheikh Hasina’s AL won a landslide victory, securing over two-thirds of the parliamentary seats.
Hasina’s return to power in 2009 was initially seen as promising for Bangladesh’s democracy. The previous decade had been marred by political instability, military influence, and caretaker governments. Her government pledged to restore democratic processes, reduce corruption, and promote human rights. Indeed, the first few years of her tenure saw positive developments, including economic growth, improved relations with neighbouring countries, and significant progress in sectors like education and health.
Economic Growth and Development
Under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh achieved remarkable economic progress. From 2009 to 2024, the country witnessed an average annual GDP growth rate of over 6%, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. This period also saw rapid infrastructure development, including the construction of the Padma Bridge, metro rail systems, and numerous highways and power plants.
Bangladesh’s poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, and social indicators like life expectancy and literacy were also noteworthy. According to the World Bank, the country transitioned from a low-income to a lower-middle-income status. Sheikh Hasina’s government frequently highlighted these successes as evidence of its effective governance.
However, the economic narrative under Hasina’s tenure is not without its critics. Despite the growth, income inequality widened, and questions were raised about the sustainability of the development model, which relied heavily on the export of garments, remittances, and foreign aid. Moreover, allegations of crony capitalism, where economic benefits were disproportionately enjoyed by those with close ties to the ruling party, tainted the achievements.
The Erosion of Democratic Institutions
While Bangladesh experienced economic success, its democratic institutions gradually weakened under Sheikh Hasina’s rule. One of the most significant blows to democracy was abolishing the caretaker government system in 2011. This system, which had been in place since the 1990s, ensured national elections were held under a neutral interim government to prevent incumbent manipulation. Its removal led to widespread accusations of electoral rigging and manipulation in subsequent elections.
The 2014 general elections were particularly controversial. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Khaleda Zia, boycotted the polls, alleging that they would be rigged. As a result, more than half of the parliamentary seats were uncontested, and the Awami League won an overwhelming majority. The lack of a credible opposition presence in parliament marked a significant decline in Bangladesh’s democratic process.
The 2018 elections, though more competitive, were also marred by allegations of voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and violence. Reports of widespread irregularities and security forces’ heavy-handed tactics further eroded the public’s trust in the electoral process. While securing another term for Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League’s victory in these elections deepened the divide between the ruling party and the opposition.
Suppression of Dissent and Human Rights Violations
Sheikh Hasina’s tenure was also marked by an increasing crackdown on dissent and the stifling of free speech. The Digital Security Act, passed in 2018, became a tool for silencing critics, journalists, and opposition voices. The law’s vague provisions allowed the government to arrest and detain individuals for online content that was against the state’s interests, leading to widespread fear and self-censorship.
Human rights organizations, both domestic and international, documented numerous cases of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary arrests under Hasina’s government. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), a paramilitary force, was often implicated in these abuses. Despite international pressure and sanctions, the government continued to defend these actions as necessary for maintaining law and order.
The judiciary, once a robust pillar of Bangladesh’s democracy, also came under the influence of the executive. High-profile cases, including those involving opposition leaders and activists, were seen as politically motivated. The independence of the judiciary was further questioned when Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha was forced into exile after issuing a verdict unfavourable to the government. His memoir, published later, provided damning insights into the government’s interference in judicial matters.
The Role of the Media and Civil Society
Bangladesh’s media and civil society have traditionally played a crucial role in holding the government accountable. However, under Sheikh Hasina, these institutions faced unprecedented challenges. The government exerted significant pressure on media outlets, closing critical newspapers and television channels. Journalists were routinely harassed, and several were arrested under the Digital Security Act.
Civil society organizations were also targeted, particularly those advocating for human rights and transparency. Funding restrictions, regulatory pressures, and threats of legal action created an environment in which many organizations either aligned with the government or faced severe operational difficulties. This suppression of independent voices further weakened Bangladesh’s democratic fabric.
Despite these challenges, some media outlets and civil society organizations resisted government pressure, often at significant personal and professional risk. Their efforts kept the flame of democracy alive, even as the space for dissent shrank.
The International Community’s Response
The international community’s response to Bangladesh’s authoritarian turn has been mixed. Western countries, including the United States and members of the European Union, have expressed concern over human rights abuses, the suppression of free speech, and the erosion of democratic processes. Sanctions were imposed on individuals and entities linked to human rights violations, including the RAB.
However, Bangladesh’s strategic importance in South Asia, particularly in terms of counterterrorism, regional stability, and economic partnerships, has often led to a more cautious approach from international actors. Countries like India and China, with significant financial and geopolitical interests in Bangladesh, have largely refrained from criticizing Sheikh Hasina’s government, focusing instead on maintaining strong bilateral relations.
This geopolitical balancing act has allowed Sheikh Hasina to maintain a degree of international legitimacy despite growing domestic and international criticism of her government’s actions.
The Fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Regime
By 2024, the cumulative effects of economic disparities, political repression, and growing public discontent led to a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Despite years of suppression, the opposition began to rally support, capitalizing on the growing frustrations of the population. Corruption scandals, particularly those involving figures close to Sheikh Hasina, further eroded public confidence in the government.
Mass protests erupted nationwide, demanding political reforms, the restoration of democratic processes, and accountability for human rights abuses. Fuelled by a younger generation that had grown up under Hasina’s rule, these protests represented a broad cross-section of Bangladeshi society, from urban intellectuals to rural farmers.
The government’s response to these protests was predictably heavy-handed, with widespread arrests and crackdowns. However, this time, the public’s resolve remained unshaken. The opposition, led by a coalition of parties including the BNP and emerging political movements, gained momentum. Calls for international intervention grew louder, and diplomatic pressure on Sheikh Hasina increased.
The tipping point came when critical factions within the military and security apparatus, traditionally loyal to the government, began to distance themselves from Hasina’s regime. Faced with a crumbling support base, mounting protests, and increasing isolation, Sheikh Hasina was eventually forced to announce her resignation and call for new elections under an interim government.
Conclusion
The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime in 2024 marked the end of an era in Bangladesh’s political history. Her tenure, which began with promises of democracy, development, and secularism, ended in authoritarianism, corruption, and widespread public disillusionment. While her government achieved significant economic milestones, these were overshadowed by the systematic erosion of democratic institutions and the suppression of fundamental freedoms.
Bangladesh’s experience under Sheikh Hasina is a cautionary tale about the fragility of democracy in the face of unchecked power. The years following her departure from power will be critical for the country as it seeks to rebuild its democratic institutions, restore public trust, and address the deep-rooted issues that led to the authoritarian turn.
As Bangladesh embarks on this new chapter, the lessons of the past decade will undoubtedly shape its future trajectory. The resilience of its people, the strength of its civil society, and the commitment to democratic principles will be vital in determining whether Bangladesh can overcome the challenges of its recent past and forge a more inclusive and democratic future.
