Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Hasina is the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and a key figure in the Awami League party. She was ousted from power in 2024 and is currently in exile. She is newsworthy because her party has been banned from participating in the upcoming February 2026 elections, leading to her denouncing the polls and raising concerns about political division and potential unrest. Her exile in India has also sparked diplomatic tensions between Bangladesh and India. The upcoming elections, the first after her ouster, are seen as a major test for democracy in Bangladesh, and the absence of the Awami League significantly alters the political landscape. The situation is further complicated by rising political violence, fears among religious minorities, and the continued influence of the military.