Bangladesh’s prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, is the world’s longest-serving female head of government, and one of the most significant of either sex. But as she grows increasingly authoritarian, and resented, she confirms she has no plans to retire
of 7% for much of that time. The 75-year-old has led her party, the Awami League, to victory in three consecutive polls, and four in all—one more than Indira Gandhi or Margaret Thatcher managed. With an election due early next year, which she is expected to win,asked her, in an interview in her northern Virginia hotel suite, what ambitions she had left.
Her advisers had primed this interviewer to ask about that long-ago tragedy. He had not, but Sheikh Hasina raises it anyway, as she often does. This illustrates the great sense of loss and destiny she exudes—and on which she has built an imposing personality cult. A huge portrait of Sheikh Mujib, schlepped around the world by her 100-man retinue, leans by her chair. She nods towards it, as if bringing the murdered man into the conversation.
Bangladesh has long been rated South Asia’s most corrupt country after Afghanistan. Thanks to the Taliban’s steps, it may now be the most corrupt. Some of its graft looks symptomatic of the de facto one-party state that Sheikh Hasina, fulfilling one of her father’s ambitions, has made. But authoritarianism has diminishing returns. Overly reliant on garments, Bangladesh needs to develop new exports, a reality its government is hardly grappling with. Bangladeshis, a disputatious people, are bridling at her strictures. Several hundred were protesting rowdily outside the hotel. Rights groups say the election could be violent.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Greece’s prime minister wins an election, but lacks a majorityGreece’s ruling centre-right New Democracy (ND) party came first by an impressive margin in an election held on May 21st; but it failed to secure an outright majority in parliament
Read more »
Prime: Caffeine warnings should be clearer, says expertA marketing expert said caffeine warnings on Prime Energy drinks aren't prominent enough.
Read more »
Former UK deputy prime minister Dominic Raab to step down as MP\n\t\t\tKeep abreast of significant corporate, financial and political developments around the world.\n\t\t\tStay informed and spot emerging risks and opportunities with independent global reporting, expert\n\t\t\tcommentary and analysis you can trust.\n\t\t
Read more »
Search for Maddie: Divers trawl remote Portuguese reservoir described by prime suspect as 'little paradise'Police divers searching for Madeleine McCann at the Barragem do Arade reservoir in Portugal have been seen entering the water early on Tuesday morning.
Read more »
No 10 leaves Suella Braverman waiting on her future as Sunak delays decision on speeding rowThe Prime Minister has demanded further information from Ms Braverman before making a decision
Read more »
Top economist calls for 'lenient' migration rulesAndy Haldane's comments come after the prime minister said legal migration was too high.
Read more »