Ahead of the unconstitutional referendum and parliamentary elections on February 12, excluding the Awami League, under the murderous-fascist Yunus regime, many Bangladeshis are reflecting on the era of five-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose administration from 2009 to 2024 oversaw unprecedented infrastructure growth, economic expansion, and social safety nets.
While her tenure ended through massive violence by militants and a meticulously designed conspiracy in August 2024, leading to her exile in India, Sheikh Hasina’s government is credited with lifting millions out of poverty, modernising the country’s backbone, and achieving milestones like Bangladesh’s graduation to developing nation status.
Her government also chose the legal path to try the collaborators of the Pakistani Army engaged in crimes against humanity in 1971, for the execution of court verdicts against the former military officers who had assassinated Bangabandhu in 1975, and uprooting extremism by al-Qaeda and Islamic State, among other militant groups that killed hundreds of people from 2013 to 2018.
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This retrospective examines key projects and schemes that defined her vision for a “Digital Bangladesh” and inclusive development.
Infrastructure Revolution
Sheikh Hasina’s administration prioritised mega-infrastructure to boost connectivity and economic efficiency, transforming Bangladesh from a flood-prone agrarian society into a regional hub. The flagship Padma Bridge, inaugurated in 2022, stands as a symbol of self-reliance after the World Bank withdrew funding over corruption allegations, with China stepping in for construction. Spanning 6.15km over the Padma River, it connects 21 southern districts to Dhaka, projected to add 1.2% to GDP annually. Complementing this, the Padma Rail Link extended railway access across the river.
Urban mobility saw leaps with the Dhaka Metro Rail, launched in phases from 2022, reducing traffic congestion and economic losses. The Elevated Expressway from Dhaka to Chattogram, along with the Dhaka-Chattogram Expressway, slashed travel times. Flyovers, such as those in major cities, and the Purbachal 300-foot road, enhanced urban planning. Rural areas benefited from the Asian Highway project and upgrades to highways into four-, six-, and eight-lane corridors.
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Waterways and ports were modernised too. The Karnaphuli Tunnel in Chittagong, Bangladesh’s first underwater tunnel, opened in 2023, facilitating trade. The Payra Deep-Sea Port and Matarbari Port projects aimed to position Bangladesh as a maritime powerhouse. The Cox’s Bazar Rail Line and International Airport expanded tourism and connectivity in the southeast. Other notable builds include the Jamuna Rail Bridge, Kalna 8-lane Bridge, Hatirjheel beautification project, Marine Drive Road, and numerous overpasses.
The government also resolved long-standing issues like river erosion through protection projects and celebrated the 2014 maritime boundary victory with India and Myanmar, securing 118,813 sq-km of sea territory.
Energy And Technology
Energy security was a cornerstone, with 119 power plants established, achieving near-universal electrificationโelectricity reached every home by 2021. Key facilities include the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (Russia-funded), Payra, Rampal, and Matarbari coal-fired plants, boosting capacity from 4,942MW in 2009 to over 25,000MW by 2024.
Technological strides included launching Bangabandhu Satellite-1 in 2018, enhancing broadcasting and disaster management. The “Digital Bangladesh” initiative established digital centres in every union, expanded mobile and internet services, introduced digital passports, and promoted mobile banking. Computer labs and multimedia classrooms were rolled out in schools, fostering ICT literacy.
Social Safety Schemes
Sheikh Hasina’s government expanded social welfare to unprecedented levels, aligning with the National Social Security Strategy. Over 140 programmes like elderly allowances, maternity benefits, widow allowances, freedom fighter stipends, education stipends, disability allowances, abandoned wife support, fishermen’s food aid, imam allowances, and Boishakhi allowances reached millions. The Vulnerable Group Development (VGD) and Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) cards, along with Open Market Sales (OMS) and 10 Tk/kg rice distribution, combated food insecurity.
The Ashrayan Project, dubbed the “Sheikh Hasina Model,” provided free housing and income support to over 840,000 landless families. The One House One Farm initiative integrated the rural poor into agriculture. Community clinics delivered free healthcare to remote areas, while the Sheikh Hasina Burn Institute provided advanced medical facilities.
Women’s empowerment was prioritised through extended maternity leave (from four to six months), girls’ free education, and workforce participation, with girls’ enrollment surpassing boys’. Recognition for the hijra community included legal status and employment opportunities. Rohingya refugees received shelter, showcasing humanitarian leadership.
Education, Economy, And Institutional Reforms
Education reforms nationalised thousands of institutions, established 1,458 new primary schools, governmentized 26,193 others, and distributed free textbooks on the first day of the year. An Arabic university and Qawmi Madrasa recognition broadened access. The government also built 560 model mosques at the upazila level and 1,681 madrasa buildings.
Economically, exports surged (garments leading), per capita income tripled, and foreign reserves grew. Bangladesh graduated from least developed country (LDC) status in 2021, with GDP growth averaging 7%. Her initiative of 100 economic zones spurred investment, while agriculture successes and employment creation lifted 25 million out of poverty.
Institutional changes included activating village courts, constructing multi-storey court buildings, and resolving the enclave issue with India in 2015.
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