Dhaka: Sheikh Hasina was sworn in as the Prime Minister for the fifth term, following her Awami League’s resounding victory in the recently concluded general elections. The ceremony, held at the Bangabhaban Presidential Palace, saw President Mohammad Shahabuddin administer the oath of office to the 76-year-old leader.
Sheikh Hasina is the 12th term as Prime Minister, a historic achievement for the daughter of Bangladesh’s founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Having been at the helm since 2009, Sheikh Hasina is one of the world’s longest-serving female heads of government, now embarking on her fourth consecutive term.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering, including politicians, foreign diplomats, civil society figures, and senior civil and military officials. Following the Prime Minister, new members of the cabinet were also sworn in during the solemn occasion.
Securing an impressive victory, Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League won 223 seats in the 300-member Parliament. However, the elections were boycotted by the main opposition, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The BNP had demanded a non-party caretaker government for the polls, a proposal that was rejected.
In her fourth consecutive term, Sheikh Hasina has formed a new government, comprising 25 ministers and 11 state ministers, reflecting a mix of experience and fresh perspectives. As Bangladesh looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the coming term, Sheikh Hasina’s leadership promises to guide the nation with a vision for progress and stability.