Sheikh Hasina is a prominent Bangladeshi politician who served as the country's prime minister for over 20 years, making her the longest-serving leader in Bangladesh's history and the world's longest-serving female head of government. Her political career, primarily with the Awami League party, included two main periods in office from 1996 to 2001 and again from 2009 to 2024.
Her tenure was notable for significant economic development in Bangladesh but was also marked by allegations of authoritarian governance, including claims of oligarchic control and human rights abuses. This period concluded with her resignation and exile following the July Revolution in 2024, a significant political upheaval in the country.
Recently, Sheikh Hasina has been in the news due to a major legal development. In late 2025, a Bangladesh court sentenced her to death after a tribunal found her guilty of crimes against humanity. International media reported that the former prime minister denounced the trial as politically motivated, while her party and political opponents in Bangladesh reacted strongly to the verdict, leading to announcements of nationwide protests and shutdowns.
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- Sheikh Hasina verdict LIVE: Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death for ‘crimes against humanity’, says ruling was ‘rigged’ | World News - Hindustan Times 2025-11-17 17:37 · Hindustan Times
- ‘Biased, politically motivated’: Sheikh Hasina issues first statement after Bangladesh court sentences her to death - WION 2025-11-17 17:35 · WION
- Sheikh Hasina profile, rise and fall: Once Bangladesh’s iron lady, now sentenced to death - WION 2025-11-17 17:35 · WION
- Former Bangladeshi Leader Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death Over Violent Protest Crackdown - The Wall Street Journal 2025-11-17 17:33 · The Wall Street Journal
- Bangladesh sentences former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death - Financial Times 2025-11-17 17:31 · Financial Times