Sheikh Hasina Ousted: Bangladesh's 'Iron Lady' Watches 2026 Polls From India
Hasina's ouster follows economic gains amid growing authoritarian charges.
Sheikh Hasina rose to become one of the most dominant figures in Bangladesh’s political history, earning the title of the country’s “Iron Lady.” Serving multiple terms as prime minister, she led the Awami League for nearly two decades. Her rule shaped modern Bangladesh’s political and economic direction. In 2026, however, she is no longer at the center of power. A student-led movement forced her government out, marking a dramatic fall.
Hasina’s political journey was shaped by tragedy and legacy. In 1975, while she was abroad, her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding leader, was assassinated along with most of her family. She returned six years later to lead the Awami League during a period of military dominance. Both Hasina and rival leader Khaleda Zia faced arrests and political pressure. Their rivalry would later define national politics for decades.
During the 1980s, Bangladesh was ruled by military dictator Hussain Muhammad Ershad. Despite deep rivalry, Hasina and Khaleda Zia united to oppose military rule. Their movement led to Ershad’s removal in 1990. Democratic politics returned soon after. However, cooperation between the two leaders quickly collapsed.
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Under Hasina’s leadership from 2009 onward, Bangladesh recorded strong economic growth. The country averaged over six percent annual growth and expanded its garment industry. Millions were lifted out of poverty, and electricity access crossed 95 percent. Major projects like the Padma Bridge transformed connectivity. In 2021, Bangladesh’s per capita income surpassed India’s.
Despite development gains, Hasina faced allegations of authoritarianism. Rights groups accused her government of suppressing dissent and restricting media freedom. In 2024, student protests over job quotas expanded into wider anti-government demonstrations. The unrest eventually forced Hasina to leave Bangladesh. Now in India, she watches the 2026 elections as her party remains barred from contesting.
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