Wednesday, 15 January, 2025
History often serves as the ultimate judge, rewarding those who champion the people’s cause while condemning those who misuse power for their gains. The contrasting tales of two of Bangladesh’s most influential political figures—Begum Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina—stand as testimony to this eternal truth. Today, Begum Khaleda Zia, hailed as an uncompromising leader, is in London for critical healthcare, while Sheikh Hasina, once an autocratic ruler, has fled to India and now lives in isolation as history refuses to forgive her transgressions.
Begum Khaleda Zia’s political journey is a saga of courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to democracy. Rising to prominence after the tragic assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981, she answered the people's call to step into the tumultuous world of politics. Despite the challenges of navigating a male-dominated political landscape, Khaleda Zia quickly established herself as a beacon of hope for democracy and governance in Bangladesh.
Her leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) during the tumultuous 1990s was marked by her steadfast opposition to autocracy. She played a pivotal role in the movement against Hussain Muhammad Ershad's military regime, refusing to compromise when others, including Sheikh Hasina and Jamaat-e-Islami, made concessions to the autocrat. Her determination forced Ershad to step down, paving the way for democratic elections in which her party secured a historic victory in 1991.
Known for her uncompromising stance, Khaleda Zia remained a champion of the people’s rights, despite relentless challenges. Her tenure as Prime Minister was not without difficulties, but she retained the trust of the masses. Her ability to withstand pressure and stay true to her principles earned her the title of an “uncompromising leader” among her supporters.
In stark contrast to Khaleda Zia’s legacy stands Sheikh Hasina, who turned her position as the head of the Awami League into an instrument of authoritarian rule. Upon assuming power in 2009, she steadily dismantled democratic institutions, silenced dissent, and consolidated power. Through manipulation of the judiciary, suppression of media freedom, and persecution of political opponents, Hasina transformed Bangladesh into a state where democracy became a mere facade.
Her regime’s persecution of Khaleda Zia epitomised her autocratic tendencies. Khaleda Zia faced fabricated charges, imprisonment, and denial of proper medical care. The Hasina government’s cruel actions reached new heights when it forced Khaleda Zia out of her Cantonment residence, a home she had lived in for decades, and subjected her family to relentless harassment. Her youngest son, Arafat Rahman Koko, tragically passed away under the strain of this persecution.
However, Hasina’s authoritarian rule ultimately led to her downfall. Her oppressive policies and use of force against students, citizens, and political rivals ignited widespread unrest. In August 2024, a massive student-led uprising became the final straw, forcing Sheikh Hasina to flee Bangladesh. Now living in isolation in a secret location in India, she is a stark reminder that no ruler can escape the judgment of history.
As the leader of the Awami League and the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she often boasted about being the daughter of Bangabandhu. However, history reveals the truth: in 1975, her father formed the autocratic Baksal to kill democracy, and on August 15, through an armed coup, the entire family was killed. Sheikh Hasina, after more than 30 years, returned with the hope of correcting her father's mistakes, but her actions reflect the same autocratic nature.
As Sheikh Hasina lives in exile, rejected by the people she once ruled with an iron fist, Khaleda Zia has witnessed a resurgence of public support. When news broke that she was travelling to London for advanced medical treatment, thousands of Bangladeshis lined the streets to bid her farewell with flowers and prayers. Their love and respect for their “uncompromising leader” are a testament to her enduring connection with the people.
Similarly, her arrival in London was met with an outpouring of affection from the Bangladeshi diaspora. Thousands gathered at Heathrow Airport, waiting patiently to welcome her with flowers, cheers, and unwavering loyalty. The scene is a vivid contrast to Hasina’s lonely existence in India, where she remains isolated and despised for her oppressive regime.
On the other hand, Begum Khaleda Zia’s life and leadership illustrate the power of resilience, integrity, and the unbreakable bond between a leader and her people. Despite facing unimaginable trials, she has remained steadfast, earning a place in history as a symbol of hope and courage. Her current battle for health underscores her humanity, and the overwhelming support she receives from the people reaffirms her enduring legacy.
The contrasting trajectories of Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina offer a powerful lesson for leaders everywhere: power is fleeting, but the respect and love of the people are eternal. Leaders who use their positions to serve and uplift their people will be remembered with reverence, while those who exploit and oppress will face condemnation and isolation.
As Khaleda Zia continues her journey of recovery in London, surrounded by the love of her supporters, the people of Bangladesh look forward to a future where justice, democracy, and freedom prevail. Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina’s lonely exile serves as a stark reminder of the price of authoritarianism and the inevitability of history’s judgment.
Last But not Least
History repeats itself, but many of us fail to learn from it. The arrogance, greed, and desire for power cloud our vision, leading us to make wrong decisions driven by that very power. A close example is the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, who ruled the country for 16 years with an authoritarian regime but was eventually forced to leave due to a people's uprising.
As the leader of the Awami League and the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she often boasted about being the daughter of Bangabandhu. However, history reveals the truth: in 1975, her father formed the autocratic Baksal to kill democracy, and on August 15, through an armed coup, the entire family was killed. Sheikh Hasina, after more than 30 years, returned with the hope of correcting her father's mistakes, but her actions reflect the same autocratic nature.
Just like her father, Sheikh Hasina has become a dictator in her own right, killing countless people mercilessly, and looting and smuggling the nation's wealth. On the other hand, Begum Khaleda Zia, a prominent leader and symbol of uncompromising democracy, continues her struggle in prison.
In recent times, she has been ill and is receiving treatment in London. The people of the country hope for her recovery and anticipate her return to build a developed democratic Bangladesh.
Comments
History often serves as the ultimate judge, rewarding those who champion the people’s cause while condemning those who misuse power for their gains. The contrasting tales of two of Bangladesh’s most influential political figures—Begum Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina—stand as testimony to this eternal truth. Today, Begum Khaleda Zia, hailed as an uncompromising leader, is in London for critical healthcare, while Sheikh Hasina, once an autocratic ruler, has fled to India and now lives in isolation as history refuses to forgive her transgressions.
Begum Khaleda Zia’s political journey is a saga of courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to democracy. Rising to prominence after the tragic assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981, she answered the people's call to step into the tumultuous world of politics. Despite the challenges of navigating a male-dominated political landscape, Khaleda Zia quickly established herself as a beacon of hope for democracy and governance in Bangladesh.
Her leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) during the tumultuous 1990s was marked by her steadfast opposition to autocracy. She played a pivotal role in the movement against Hussain Muhammad Ershad's military regime, refusing to compromise when others, including Sheikh Hasina and Jamaat-e-Islami, made concessions to the autocrat. Her determination forced Ershad to step down, paving the way for democratic elections in which her party secured a historic victory in 1991.
Known for her uncompromising stance, Khaleda Zia remained a champion of the people’s rights, despite relentless challenges. Her tenure as Prime Minister was not without difficulties, but she retained the trust of the masses. Her ability to withstand pressure and stay true to her principles earned her the title of an “uncompromising leader” among her supporters.
In stark contrast to Khaleda Zia’s legacy stands Sheikh Hasina, who turned her position as the head of the Awami League into an instrument of authoritarian rule. Upon assuming power in 2009, she steadily dismantled democratic institutions, silenced dissent, and consolidated power. Through manipulation of the judiciary, suppression of media freedom, and persecution of political opponents, Hasina transformed Bangladesh into a state where democracy became a mere facade.
Her regime’s persecution of Khaleda Zia epitomised her autocratic tendencies. Khaleda Zia faced fabricated charges, imprisonment, and denial of proper medical care. The Hasina government’s cruel actions reached new heights when it forced Khaleda Zia out of her Cantonment residence, a home she had lived in for decades, and subjected her family to relentless harassment. Her youngest son, Arafat Rahman Koko, tragically passed away under the strain of this persecution.
However, Hasina’s authoritarian rule ultimately led to her downfall. Her oppressive policies and use of force against students, citizens, and political rivals ignited widespread unrest. In August 2024, a massive student-led uprising became the final straw, forcing Sheikh Hasina to flee Bangladesh. Now living in isolation in a secret location in India, she is a stark reminder that no ruler can escape the judgment of history.
As the leader of the Awami League and the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she often boasted about being the daughter of Bangabandhu. However, history reveals the truth: in 1975, her father formed the autocratic Baksal to kill democracy, and on August 15, through an armed coup, the entire family was killed. Sheikh Hasina, after more than 30 years, returned with the hope of correcting her father's mistakes, but her actions reflect the same autocratic nature.
As Sheikh Hasina lives in exile, rejected by the people she once ruled with an iron fist, Khaleda Zia has witnessed a resurgence of public support. When news broke that she was travelling to London for advanced medical treatment, thousands of Bangladeshis lined the streets to bid her farewell with flowers and prayers. Their love and respect for their “uncompromising leader” are a testament to her enduring connection with the people.
Similarly, her arrival in London was met with an outpouring of affection from the Bangladeshi diaspora. Thousands gathered at Heathrow Airport, waiting patiently to welcome her with flowers, cheers, and unwavering loyalty. The scene is a vivid contrast to Hasina’s lonely existence in India, where she remains isolated and despised for her oppressive regime.
On the other hand, Begum Khaleda Zia’s life and leadership illustrate the power of resilience, integrity, and the unbreakable bond between a leader and her people. Despite facing unimaginable trials, she has remained steadfast, earning a place in history as a symbol of hope and courage. Her current battle for health underscores her humanity, and the overwhelming support she receives from the people reaffirms her enduring legacy.
The contrasting trajectories of Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina offer a powerful lesson for leaders everywhere: power is fleeting, but the respect and love of the people are eternal. Leaders who use their positions to serve and uplift their people will be remembered with reverence, while those who exploit and oppress will face condemnation and isolation.
As Khaleda Zia continues her journey of recovery in London, surrounded by the love of her supporters, the people of Bangladesh look forward to a future where justice, democracy, and freedom prevail. Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina’s lonely exile serves as a stark reminder of the price of authoritarianism and the inevitability of history’s judgment.
Last But not Least
History repeats itself, but many of us fail to learn from it. The arrogance, greed, and desire for power cloud our vision, leading us to make wrong decisions driven by that very power. A close example is the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, who ruled the country for 16 years with an authoritarian regime but was eventually forced to leave due to a people's uprising.
As the leader of the Awami League and the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she often boasted about being the daughter of Bangabandhu. However, history reveals the truth: in 1975, her father formed the autocratic Baksal to kill democracy, and on August 15, through an armed coup, the entire family was killed. Sheikh Hasina, after more than 30 years, returned with the hope of correcting her father's mistakes, but her actions reflect the same autocratic nature.
Just like her father, Sheikh Hasina has become a dictator in her own right, killing countless people mercilessly, and looting and smuggling the nation's wealth. On the other hand, Begum Khaleda Zia, a prominent leader and symbol of uncompromising democracy, continues her struggle in prison.
In recent times, she has been ill and is receiving treatment in London. The people of the country hope for her recovery and anticipate her return to build a developed democratic Bangladesh.
Comments
