Battle of Begums
In Bangladeshi politics, the term Battle of Begums (Bengali: বেগমদের যুদ্ধ) refers to the political rivalry between Sheikh Hasina Wazed of Awami League and her counterpart Begum Khaleda Zia of the Nationalist Party.[1][2][3][4] HistoryThe political rivalry between Awami League and Nationalist Party dates back to pre-independence Bangladesh where the issue regarding whom proclaimed Independence of Bangladesh, according to many sources it was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman[5][6] the father of Sheikh Hasina whom proclaimed Bangladeshi independence but to some it was Ziaur Rahman[7] who was the husband of Khaleda Zia. Regarding these disputes for over decades there have been rivalries between both of them which have resulted in widespread national violence.[3] AftermathOver the years, the use of the term has declined as Sheikh Hasina has been in power since 2009 and while Khaleda has been under arrests for a long time as a result many people believe that Hasina is the sole-winner of these political rivalries.[3][8] The July Revolution of 2024 stands as a significant turning point in Bangladesh's political history, marked by widespread public dissent against authoritarian governance. The revolution erupted from a collective frustration with increasing corruption, economic mismanagement, and the suppression of civil liberties. During this critical period, Sheikh Hasina, the long-standing Prime Minister and a prominent political figure, faced mounting allegations of consolidating power and stifling democratic processes. Amid escalating protests and threats to her political position, reports suggest that Sheikh Hasina fled the country under the guise of seeking medical treatment or foreign diplomatic engagements. Her absence during such a pivotal moment drew sharp criticism, with many accusing her of abandoning the people in their fight for justice and democracy. This revolution not only highlighted the people's resolve for change but also exposed the fragility of authoritarian structures when faced with collective resistance. References
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