Today, Sheikh Hasina’s contribution as a successful statesman is internationally recognized. She has already been awarded various titles and honours internationally for the establishment of democracy, improvement of health status, reduction of child mortality, use of information technology, poverty alleviation, development and establishing brotherhood, harmony and peace among nations. Numerous prestigious medals, awards and recognition feathers are now being added to Sheikh Hasina’s crown one by one.
Bangabandhu’s worthy daughter grew up in rural Bengal with common people. Being born in a political family, she was engaged in politics since her student life. As a leader of Chhatra League, she took an active part in the anti-Ayub movement and 6-point movement. She was elected Vice President (VP) of Chhatra Shangshad while she was a student of Badrunnesa Girls ‘College, the-then Intermediate Govt. Girls’ College, Dhaka,
The 6-point demand raised by Bangabandhu in 1967 created an unprecedented national awakening in the-then East Pakistan. The Pakistani ruler arrested Bangabandhu. Intense repression began. The Agartala conspiracy case was filed against Bangabandhu while she was in custody. In these stormy days, Sheikh Hasina got married to nuclear scientist MA Wazed Miah in 1968. Shortly after the marriage, the 11-point movement, the mass uprising of ’69 began. Sheikh Hasina also took active part there as a BCL leader.
On 15th August 1975, one of the most barbaric and stigmatized chapters in the history of Bangladesh were written by some Kulangars and Mir Jafras. On that dreadful 15th August night, the best son of the Bengali nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members were brutally killed by the ruthless bullets of the assassin. The hyenas did not allow Bangabandhu’s pregnant daughter-in-law, including the little baby Russel, to survive.
Bangabandhu’s daughters Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana survived as they were abroad at that time. The killers and their accomplices have repeatedly tried to erase Bangabandhu’s name from history. After the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family on 15 August 1975 and the assassination of four national leaders on 3 November, the Awami League became leaderless. At that time domestic and foreign conspirators tried to divide and make groups within the Awami League.
Johra Tajuddin took the helm of the party and organized the leaders and workers around the country. There were conflicts and differences of opinion within the leadership and there were bracket politics.
At that time Sheikh Hasina was elected party president at the biennial conference of Awami League to bring the divided Awami League leaders back to the mainstream. Sheikh Hasina returned home on 16 May 1981, ignoring the prohibitions of the military rulers. Under the leadership of the people’s leader Sheikh Hasina, the fire of revolt against the dictatorship ignited in the skies of Bangladesh. At that time Awami League President Sheikh Hasina was placed under house arrest. On her return to the country, she declared that democracy must be established. To that end, the movement was started under her leadership. All the opposition parties took part in the anti-authoritarian movement led by Sheikh Hasina. The dictator fell in a successful movement.
With the victory of the Awami League on June 12, 1996, parliamentary elections, Sheikh Hasina was elected Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the first time. The historic Ganges river water sharing agreement was signed with India during her tenure. The historic Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Agreement was signed on 2 December 1997 with the Jana Sanghati Samiti for Peace in the Hill Tracts. This marked the end of a long 22-year bloody war. The air of peace prevailed among the hill people and the Bengalis, and a bridge of harmony was formed. The overall development of the country is not achieved by leaving any part of the country behind. This realization and bold step is the result of the thinking of the statesman Sheikh Hasina, the historic Hill Tracts Peace Accord was signed on February 10, 1996.
The peace agreement was a symbol of the unprecedented development of communication in the mountains. In hilly areas, people of all professions are getting a fair price for their products. The tourism industry is developing. The local economy is also evolving, the benefits of which are being enjoyed by the entire nation today.
Sheikh Hasina has been honoured by various organizations around the world for her outstanding contribution to social work, peace and stability. Sheikh Hasina was awarded the HUPE-Boani Peace Prize in 1997 for her outstanding and unimaginable contribution to sign and implementation of the peace agreement in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The magic that she has shown the world from a statesman to a world leader has now become a role model. Bangladesh has now achieved food self-sufficiency. The growth rate has exceeded 7.4 per cent. Which is currently 7.9 per cent. Inflation came down to 1.59 per cent.
The historic victory was achieved under the perfect leadership of Sheikh Hasina in the ninth parliamentary elections held on 29 December 2008. The Awami League alone won more than three-fourth seats. On January 8, 2009, she became the Prime Minister for the second time. A grand alliance government was formed. Sheikh Hasina brought back constitutional continuity to the country through the 10th parliamentary elections on January 5, 2014, and took over as the Prime Minister for the third time. She has got the opportunity to run the country for the fourth time by setting a record by holding the elections held with the participation of all parties in the Eleventh Parliamentary Election of 2016. The countrymen are reaping the benefits of her steps today. As a country of immense potential, Bangladesh is moving forward at an irresistible pace.
Sheikh Hasina is the name of crossing the colourful thorny and slippery path of a colourful struggle and crossing the life like a sapphire. She was imprisoned and placed under house arrest several times during the military dictatorship. Repeatedly her life was in danger. At least 19 attempts have been made to kill her! But by the infinite grace of the Creator, she has remained steadfast in achieving her goal with infinite courage, even at the risk of her life.
Her personal life filled with simplicity. Her personality has been developed in the ideals of intellect, hard work, courage, patience, patriotism and sacrifice. There is no trace of luxury or artificiality in the way of life. Becoming a world leader from this compassionate public leader is the great strength of the great creator and the love of people is her great strength.
Sheikh Hasina, the leader of world humanity, endowed with innumerable virtues, is, on the one hand, a devotee of state affairs and on the other hand a symbol of extreme piety and honesty. She started her day with regular Fajr prayers and recitation of the Holy Qur’an. She has performed the holy Hajj several times.
Pure patriotism, foresight, determination and quality of life rich in human qualities have made her a world leader. Sheikh Hasina is a skilled craftsman to build a modern Bangladesh by changing the course of the 21st-century journey.
Today, Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangabandhu, is fulfilling the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Bangladesh has moved from a least developed country to a developing country under her magical leadership. Praising Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, various organizations, leaders and media of the world have given various titles. Here are some of them: “Lady of Dhaka” – Forbes, an influential US-based business magazine, “Mother of Humanity” – British media. “Charismatic Leader” – Egyptian Ambassador Mahmoud Izzat. “New Star of the East” – UAE newspaper Khaleej Times. “World leader” – India’s BJP vice president and member of parliament. Vinay Prabhakar. “Pillars of Women’s Rights” – Mary Claude Bibeau, Minister for International Development of Canada. “Ambassadors of World Peace” Three teachers in the Department of Peace Studies at Columbia University, Oxford Network of Peace “Joan of Arc” – Sri Lanka Guardian. “Light of world humanity” – Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi. “The Conscience of World Humanity” – Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos. “Rare humanitarian leader” – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Just as Bangabandhu was determined to build a golden Bengal, she is now a reflection of a liberal, democratic and non-communal Bangladesh in the spirit of the war of liberation. Ignoring hundreds of obstacles and death threats, Sheikh Hasina continues to fight for the right to rice and the basic rights of the people. Under her leadership, the people of Bangladesh have achieved democracy and freedom of speech. Bangladesh has gotten the status of a middle-income country from a low-income country.
Sheikh Hasina has been awarded various degrees and awards by several universities and institutions around the world for her outstanding contribution to peacebuilding, the institutionalization of democracy and socio-economic development. Boston University in the United States, University of Bridgeport and Barry University, Waseda University in Japan, Aberdeen University in Scotland, Visva-Bharati and Tripura Universities in India, National University in Australia, the world-renowned Catholic University in Brussels, People’s Friendship University in Russia and State University of Petersburg Dhaka University and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University awarded her an honorary doctorate degree. She was also awarded a diploma by the University of Dauphine in France.
On April 9, 2000, Randall Macon Women’s College in the United States awarded the prestigious “Pearl S. Buck” 99 Award for the courage and foresight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the political, economic and human rights fields. The UN World Food Program awarded Sheikh Hasina the prestigious Ceres Medal in recognition of her contribution to the movement against hunger.
The All India Peace Union awarded Sheikh Hasina the ‘Mother Teresa’ medal in 1996. In 1997, she was awarded the Paul Haris Fellowship by the International Rotary Foundation. He was awarded the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Memorial Medal in 1996 by the West Bengal All India Congress. She was awarded the Medal of Distinction by the International Lions Club in 1997-98.
In 2009, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust of India awarded the Indira Gandhi Award to Sheikh Hasina for her outstanding role in establishing peace and democracy. She has also been awarded the UK’s Global Diversity Award and twice the South Award.
In 2014, UNESCO awarded her the ‘Tree of Peace’ and in 2015 the Women in Parliaments Global Forum awarded her the ‘Regional Leadership’ Award for Women’s Empowerment and the Global South-South Development Expo-2014 Visionary Award.
She was awarded the Certificate of Honor in 2015 by Cornell University of America for her continued support for the development of agriculture in Bangladesh, for achieving self-sufficiency in food production and for her contribution to the development of science and technology. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has awarded Sheikh Hasina the highest award, the ‘Champion of the Earth-2015’, in the Leadership category for her outstanding contribution to the environment and sustainable development at home and abroad.
In addition, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) awarded Sheikh Hasina the ICTs in Sustainable Development Award-2015 for the implementation of sustainable digital programs. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) also awarded Sheikh Hasina the ICTs in Sustainable Development Award-2015 for the implementation of sustainable digital programs.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s decision to take logical and immediate action to suppress the BDR insurgency with a strong hand with immense patience, prudence and courage was a far-sighted decision. BDR mutiny destroys state stability, exploits long-standing anger of Bangladesh Rifles. The state-sponsored steps taken by the Prime Minister to thwart the conspiracy to destroy the skilled and trained forces through conspiracies hatched by some vested interest to disrupt social security were prudent, far-sighted, courageous and timely. Our law enforcement has already demonstrated considerable efficiency in combating militancy. And that has been possible because of Sheikh Hasina’s zero-tolerance policy. For this, the issue of brutal killings in Holi Artizan, arson in buses and terrorism and suppression of militancy under the right direction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is an excellent example to the world.
At present, our only place of trust is our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Who is fighting for the peace of the whole world? She is overseeing every action, from the coronavirus epidemic to any calamity and crisis of the nation, giving necessary directions and decisions and monitoring the implementation of the decisions. She is one of the most sensitive, far-sighted and timely decision-makers in the world.
According to Forbes, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is ranked 26th among the 100 most powerful women in the world.
If non-politicians can be removed from the Forbes list, then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will move to 3rd position. According to Forbes rules, Sheikh Hasina is the 3rd most powerful woman in the world.
When the violence against the Rohingya minority started in the Arakan state of Myanmar, the number of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh increased. The countrymen and the world community were shocked by this horrible intrusion. The courageous, far-sighted and humane leader of the time emerged in her image when politicians, local masses, civil society economists were indifferent, hesitant to find a way out.
Sheikh Hasina said, “If we can provide food to 160 million people, we will be able to procure food for another 12 lakh people; If necessary, share food; We cannot return these oppressed people. ”
She has been hailed as the ‘conscience of world humanity’ for providing food, clothing, shelter, education and medical care to more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh who have been sheltered. While failing to take appropriate action, Sheikh Hasina surprised the world by providing basic necessities for the Rohingyas in Bhasanchar.
At the last 63rd and 74th sessions of the United Nations and also in the 65th virtual session of this year, world leaders are full of praise for her humanitarian example. Pure patriotism, foresight, determination and humane qualities have made her a world leader. Sheikh Hasina is a skilled craftsman to build the modern world by changing the day in the journey of the 21st century.
The famous British media, Channel Four, called her “Mother of Humanity”. “The new sun of the East,” says Dubai’s influential daily Khaleej Times. At a BJP reception in Delhi, veteran BJP leader LK Advani said of Sheikh Hasina in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “Sheikh Hasina is the current key leader of South Asia.”
Many honours and recognitions for Sheikh Hasina have come from different countries, governments, universities, institutions, United Nations all over the world. She has been invited several times to give advice on various issues and to attend the G7 conference, the organization of the seven most powerful countries in the world. The United Nations has named her “Champion of the Earth” for her role in shaping global public opinion in tackling climate change, leading the way in developing countries.
As a result of Sheikh Hasina’s policy of women’s development, she was awarded the UN Women “Agent of Change” award by the United Nations for her participation and increased leadership in all walks of life. This internationally recognized world leader is now playing an important role in solving not only Bangladesh but also international problems.
Sheikh Hasina is not only the leader of Bangladesh; she is now the world leader. Today, Sheikh Hasina is being praised in all countries of the world. Seeing Sheikh Hasina’s state management and development, world leaders took advice from her. She is not afraid of any movement, does not compromise and bow down to injustice.
That is why it is only possible for Sheikh Hasina to show courage to build such a big bridge like Padma Bridge with local funds by challenging the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, JICA and Islamic Development Bank.
Although nearly fifty years of independence have passed, the country has ensured the trial of war criminals with transparency through the International Criminal Tribunal, ignoring the eyes of foreigners.
Sheikh Hasina is the Athena of the revived Bangladesh. Athena is the divinity of courage, wisdom, strategy, patience, justice, and culture, inspired by the mythical Greeks; As she provided courage and morale in all their desires, she is standing in front of us today as a worthy daughter of Bangabandhu in contemporary Bangladesh, as a divinity, to elevate the fragrance and glory of Bengalis in a new consciousness.
At the national and international level, in the social and political life and in the face of any natural calamity, Sheikh Hasina is moving forward in a slow and unwavering manner. The most logical and effective advice and direction of the time come only from her brain. So today we have no hesitation in saying that Sheikh Hasina is the trust shelter of Bangladesh.

-The writer is Commissioner of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and former Senior Secretary of the government of the peoples republic of Bangladesh.