Avinash Paliwal, a senior lecturer at SOAS University of London who specialises in South Asian strategic issues, said- “ Hasina has one very powerful quality as a politician—and that is to weaponise trauma.” The 76-year-old Hasina easily won the last general election, which was boycotted for the second time in the previous three polls by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). This was her fifth term in office overall and her fourth consecutive term in power.

Bangladesh, which was previously praised for its democratic advancements, has sadly succumbed to authoritarianism during Sheikh Hasina’s protracted rule. Her government has steadily undermined human rights, restricted free speech, persecuted the opposition, and dismantled important institutions, including the banking industry and judiciary, over the past fifteen years. This region has never seen a politician in office for such an extended length of time without the support of the people. As Sunday’s attendance demonstrated, the percentage of the population that supports Hasina and her party even portrays her as unpopular.

 Hasina, the longest-serving head of state in Bangladesh history, and the Awami League, according to her admirers, have given people a nation with a thriving development sector and expanding industries. This stability has prevented military takeovers that would have rocked the young, mostly Muslim country strategically positioned between Myanmar and India. But is it the reality, and are they doing what they have promised to the general public?

Despite initial promises to address human rights violations, the Awami League government in Bangladesh has faced numerous credible allegations of abuse, particularly targeting political opponents. Human rights organisations report over 600 cases of forced disappearances, with almost 100 victims still missing, while law enforcement agencies, including the Rapid Action Battalion, are accused of thousands of extrajudicial killings, often justified as “crossfire” incidents. The government has also tightened control over the police and legal system to suppress opposition activists, civil society members, and journalists, notably through the 2018 Digital Security Act. These actions have led to a climate of fear and self-censorship, prompting a downgrade of Bangladesh’s civic space to “closed” status by rights groups like CIVICUS Monitor. Despite these concerns, Bangladesh has made strides in combating jihadism, although homegrown extremism remains a threat.

Early in the 1990s, Bangladesh, a nation with a turbulent political past, saw a notable shift towards democracy. But under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, the once-promising democratic trajectory has been seriously weakened. Her tenure has been marked by a callous consolidation of power, the repression of opposition, and the degradation of fundamental liberties.

Human rights standards in Bangladesh have steadily declined under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, mirroring the practices of authoritarian governments around the world. Extrajudicial deaths, forced disappearances, and arbitrary arrests are the outcomes of the government’s crackdown on the opposition. The freedom of the press and of expression has been severely restricted; journalists who dare to criticize the administration face intimidation, persecution, and even jail.

Amnesty International has denounced the growing attacks on Bangladesh’s most prominent newspaper, Prothom Alo, citing a remark by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina characterising the publication as an “enemy of democracy.” After the Prime Minister’s speech, they threatened and vandalised the Prothom Alo office. In addition, because of their critical reporting, newspaper-affiliated journalists have been arrested and may face legal action under the Digital Security Act. Yamini Mishra, the regional director of Amnesty International for South Asia, said that 56 journalists had been subjected to various forms of harassment in the first three months of this year, characterizing these acts as a continuation of a larger pattern of government crackdowns on press freedom. Aside from urging Bangladesh to stop using the Digital Security Act, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed worries that it could be abused to silence dissenting opinions.

Now we all know about their regular opposition! Organisations opposed to Sheikh Hasina’s government faced extensive charges of oppression during Bangladesh’s 2018 and 2024 elections. Violent occurrences marred both elections and opposition activists faced formidable obstacles.

Thousands of activists were arrested in 2018 as a result of claims of violence and intimidation directed towards members and sympathizers of the opposition. Even though the administration promised free and fair elections, these arrests sparked worries that opposition voices and dissent would be silenced.

In the 2024 election, amid heightened political tensions, thousands of opposition activists were detained, despite the main opposition party opting out of the electoral process. This decision reflected a lack of trust in the fairness of the election under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership. The arrests of opposition activists during both elections indicate a systematic crackdown on dissenting voices and political rivals in Bangladesh. These actions not only undermine democracy but also cast doubt on the government’s commitment to human rights and political diversity. These incidents underscore the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to democratic principles in Bangladesh’s electoral procedures. Without genuine political participation and respect for opposition viewpoints, the legitimacy of election outcomes may be challenged, further exacerbating instability and polarization in the country.

Here are some more notable steps of the Awami League that have contributed to the authoritarian trajectory and deterioration of human rights in Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership.

The Authoritarian Shift: An Overview of the Gradual Erosion of Democratic Norms and Practices Examination of legislative changes, constitutional amendments, and executive actions consolidating power in the hands of Sheikh Hasina and the AL. Analysis of the stifling of opposition voices through legal measures, harassment, and political manipulation.

Suppression of Human Rights: A detailed exploration of human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances. Documentation of crackdowns on dissent, civil society, and independent media. Case studies illustrate the targeting of activists, journalists, and political opponents critical of the government. Examination of the shrinking space for independent journalism and civil society activism.

Impunity and Lack of Accountability: Investigation into the culture of impunity surrounding human rights abuses committed by state actors. Evaluation of the failure to hold perpetrators accountable for violations, contributing to a cycle of impunity. Discussion on the role of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies in upholding or neglecting accountability

International Response and Implications: Overview of international criticism and scrutiny of Bangladesh’s human rights record under Sheikh Hasina’s government. Analysis of diplomatic engagements, aid relationships, and trade agreements in relation to human rights concerns. Examination of the implications of deteriorating human rights on Bangladesh’s global standing and bilateral relations and many more countless incidents happen every day!

There have been several accusations of institutional degradation during Sheikh Hasina’s time as Bangladesh’s prime minister, especially in the financial industry. The acts of her administration, according to critics, have compromised the independence and integrity of institutions, raising questions about accountability, transparency, and fairness.There have been cases in the financial sector where powerful people, like S Alam, have taken control of institutions, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and the concentration of economic power. Concerns have also been expressed over the possibility of preferential treatment in deals involving influential people and regulatory supervision.

All things considered, calls for increased accountability, transparency, and protections against undue influence and ensuring the integrity of institutions have been sparked by Sheikh Hasina’s purported destruction of those institutions, particularly those in the financial sector. A noteworthy development in Bangladesh’s banking industry was S Alam’s acquisition of the Islamic Bank, one of the nation’s most prosperous financial organisations. As a key player in the deal, S Alam—a well-known individual with a history in business and finance—raised questions and cast doubt on the stability of the financial system.

The Islamic Bank had become a leader in Sharia-compliant banking and was well-known for its creative solutions and strong financial results. Due to its standing as a pioneer in the field, powerful people looking to increase their clout in the financial sector found it to be a desirable target for takeover or purchase.

S Alam’s role in the acquisition of the Islamic Bank sparked concerns about his goals and motives. S. Alam had a great deal of power in the banking sector as a director of several banks, including some of the biggest financial institutions in Bangladesh. His wide range of contacts and relationships in the business world made him a powerful force in the nation’s financial scene. 

Public, shareholder, and regulatory scrutiny was aroused by S Alam’s acquisition of the Islamic Bank. There have been questions raised concerning insider trading, conflicts of interest, and the consolidation of power within a small number of people. The transaction’s transparency and fairness were also called into question, and rumours of preferential treatment and undue influence were rampant.

Notwithstanding these reservations, the acquisition went through, and S Alam became a key figure in the Islamic Bank’s management team. His appointment as a director increased his position inside the banking industry and stoked concerns about competition being eroded and economic power being concentrated in the hands of a tiny number of people. The incident involving S Alam and the Islamic Bank was a sobering reminder of the difficulties that Bangladesh’s banking industry faces, particularly those pertaining to responsibility, transparency, and corporate governance. It emphasised how important it is to have strict regulatory monitoring and safeguards in place to protect the financial system’s integrity and stability so that it may continue to support sustainable economic growth and serve the interests of all parties involved.

However, Sheikh Hasina’s authority over the judiciary, which includes the nation’s top court, has drawn criticism and raised questions. Allegations of political meddling in judicial appointments, promotions, and rulings have been made under her direction, thereby weakening the judiciary’s independence and impartiality. Judges have been under pressure to decide in favour of the ruling party or its allies, demonstrating the government’s power over the judiciary. In addition, opposition politicians and government critics have reportedly been the focus of judicial harassment and intimidation.

Furthermore, some analysts have expressed scepticism towards judicial reforms, particularly those pertaining to the recruitment process for judges, contending that these measures actually serve to bolster the government’s power over the court rather than enhance its independence. Sheikh Hasina’s apparent grip over the judiciary raises questions about how Bangladesh’s fundamental rights are being protected and how the rule of law is generally eroding. It emphasises how crucial it is to preserve judicial independence in order to guarantee the unbiased and just administration of justice.

The Supreme Court heard arguments of manipulation in the 2024 election, including accusations of improper influence or meddling to advance the goal of the ruling party. However, more research and supporting data would be needed to validate specific cases of such manipulation. The former Chief Justice’s remarks about the Home Ministry’s control over subordinate courts gave rise to grave concerns regarding judicial independence. He maintained that the lower courts’ impartiality and integrity were compromised by the Home Ministry’s excessive influence. The previous Chief Justice fled the nation in response to this claim in order to protect himself, and he is currently living in exile in the United States. These accusations bring to light the obstacles facing Bangladesh’s judiciary’s independence and the necessity of taking action to protect it from political meddling.

Coercive measures have been regularly used by the AL government, led by Sheikh Hasina, to stifle political opposition. There has been rampant electoral fraud, intimidation, and violence during the election process. Extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests, and torture have all been inflicted upon opposition activists. The elections of 2018 and 2024 saw a sharp rise in violence as state security forces targeted thousands of opposition activists. Under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh’s democratic institutions have deteriorated very noticeably. Once seen as a bulwark of independence, the judiciary has been steadily weakened by political influence and meddling. The rule of law has been jeopardized, and public confidence in the legal system has been damaged by the government’s control over the judiciary, especially the Supreme Court.

Moreover, politicisation and corruption have afflicted crucial institutions like the financial sector, administration, and police. As evidenced by the acquisition of the immensely profitable Islamic bank S alam, the government’s takeover of financial institutions highlights the depth of institutional deterioration under Hasina’s rule. On Sheikh Hasina’s protracted leadership, Bangladesh has steadily descended towards authoritarianism, characterised by the systematic deterioration of human rights, repression of opposition, and dismantling of democratic institutions. The international community has to denounce these egregious human rights abuses and put pressure on the government of Bangladesh to bring democracy back, protect the rule of law, and respect basic liberties. If this isn’t done, authoritarianism could become even more entrenched, and the misery of the Bangladeshi people could continue.

Bangladesh has descended into complete authoritarianism near the end of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule as president, as evidenced by the dismantling of democratic institutions, the suppression of fundamental rights, and the concentration of power in the hands of the ruling party. Bangladesh has seen a methodical breakdown of democratic principles and practices under her rule, along with a flagrant disrespect for political plurality and human rights. This authoritarian trend has been facilitated by the manipulation of electoral procedures, the repression of alternative voices, and the control of important institutions like the financial sector and judiciary. Voices critical of the government are muted, and opposition activists are targeted with impunity in this atmosphere of fear and intimidation brought about by the politicisation and corruption of essential institutions, as well as the suppression of dissent and free expression.

The international community has to condemn these heinous violations of human rights and demand that Bangladesh restore democracy, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental liberties. The oppressive hold that Sheikh Hasina’s dictatorship has on the Bangladeshi people will only become more entrenched in the absence of any intervention, thus exacerbating their suffering. To ensure that freedom, justice, and democracy continue to rule Bangladesh in the future, it is essential that coordinated efforts be made to protect democratic ideals and hold the government responsible for its deeds.