In the prestigious Forbes list of The World’s Most Powerful Women 2023, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has secured a commendable 46th position, marking her significant influence and impact on the global stage. Additionally, she achieved an impressive 9th position among the 18 most powerful women in politics and policy for the year 2023. This dual recognition underscores her significant influence and leadership in global affairs.
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Notably, Sheikh Hasina’s standing on the Forbes list has seen a progression from the 42nd spot in the last year (2022), signifying the sustained amplification of her influence and leadership in the global landscape.
Forbes, the renowned American business magazine, has once again unveiled its annual roster of influential women.
The much-anticipated edition titled ‘The World’s Most Powerful Women of 2023’ was officially released on December 5, 2023.
Forbes wrote in its profile of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina …
“Sheikh Hasina Wazed, the longest serving prime minister in the history of Bangladesh, is currently serving her fourth term, she is also the world’s longest-serving female head of government.”
Other Influential Women
In the roster of influential women, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen claimed the top spot, followed by European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde in second place. US Vice President Kamala Harris, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and American pop sensation Taylor Swift secured the third, fourth, and fifth positions, respectively.
What is Forbes known for?
Forbes, the American business magazine owned by Forbes, Inc., is released biweekly and offers exclusive articles centred around finance, industry, investing, and marketing. Its diverse coverage extends to various related subjects such as technology, communications, science, and law. Notably, Forbes has annually compiled and published the list of the most powerful women in the world since 2004, showcasing influential female leaders across various fields and industries.
A Profile of Sheikh Hasina
Bangladesh has made significant progress toward becoming a key player in both South Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region under her leadership. Sheikh Hasina’s participation in numerous regional forums demonstrates her dedication to regional cooperation.
In the spotlight of this prestigious list lies Sheikh Hasina Wajed, a figure known for her unprecedented tenure as the longest-serving prime minister in Bangladesh’s history. Presently embarking on her fourth consecutive term, she holds the esteemed title of being the world’s longest-serving female head of movement.
Forbes highlighted Sheikh Hasina’s political prowess, emphasizing her triumphant fourth term victory, which aligns as her third consecutive term in office. Her political party, the Bangladesh Awami League, secured a resounding victory by claiming a staggering 288 out of the 300 parliamentary seats, solidifying her authoritative position within the nation.
Notably, Sheikh Hasina’s standing on the Forbes list has seen a progression from the 42nd spot in the last year (2022), signifying the sustained amplification of her influence and leadership in the global landscape.
Expert Opinion
Department of Government and Politics
Dean of the faculty of social sciences
Jahangirnagar University
Sheikh Hasina is the 46th most powerful woman in the Forbes list, now how you explain Bangladesh’s position in global context?
Sheikh Hasina is the 46th most powerful woman in the Forbes list of the world’s 100 and she has been ranked 9th in the list of 18 most powerful women in politics in 2023. In addition to, she is longest serving prime minister in the history of Bangladesh, currently serving her 4th term. Forbes also wrote in its profile of sheikh Hasina as the world’s longest -serving female head of government. She is holding the position similar to the other famous women leaders like Angela Merkel , Margaret Thatcher, Kamala Harris ,Georgia Meloni of Italian PM. This current position of Sheikh Hasina reflects her dynamic, prudent and courageous leadership from the developing word.
Her continued presence and ascension within this prestigious ranking underscore not only her domestic impact but also her recognition on an international scale. This reaffirms her enduring significance as a formidable force shaping the socio-political landscape of Bangladesh and beyond.
As the world acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of remarkable women leaders, Sheikh Hasina’s inclusion among the top 50 most powerful women by Forbes reaffirms her enduring impact and influence in the global arena.
Economic Achievements
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s unwavering leadership stands as the pivotal force propelling Bangladesh’s remarkable economic achievements. Her stewardship has been instrumental in steering the nation along an upward development trajectory, evident in the country’s robust economy over the past 50 years.
The daughter of Bangabandhu, Sheikh Hasina, has crafted a roadmap that Bangladesh is steadily following toward advancement and prosperity. Upon scrutinizing the economic indicators of the past decade, it becomes evident that Bangladesh has made significant progress in healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, and various other socio-economic sectors.
Under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh is progressing across multiple fronts—power, telecommunications, social welfare, cultural and human resource development—experiencing an all-encompassing advancement. It’s not an exaggeration to assert that Bangladesh has reached exceptional heights due to numerous mega-projects that symbolize the government’s strength and capability.
A trailblazer in Women Empowerment
Over the past 13 years, the government led by Sheikh Hasina has achieved unparalleled development and advancement within the country. Under the regime of Hasina’s leadership, Bangladeshi women have notably contributed to the country’s advancement across diverse sectors. Sheikh Hasina’s drive for women’s empowerment has marked an unprecedented era where a substantial number of women occupy esteemed high-ranking offices, a groundbreaking feat for Bangladesh.
In numerous aspects, men hold dominance over women within Bangladeshi families, obstructing their freedom, educational opportunities, and employment prospects. However, PM Sheikh Hasina emerged as a vocal advocate, envisioning the liberation of Bangladeshi women at a time when their rights were largely overlooked.
Sheikh Hasina acknowledged the pivotal role of girls’ education in fostering women’s economic empowerment. Bangladesh, under her dynamic leadership, witnessed remarkable strides in female education.
Outdated traditions and societal norms in many third-world countries have confined girls and women to household duties, a cycle that can only be shattered through the promotion of girls’ education.
Sheikh Hasina is a trailblazer in empowerment of women. She is a role model for the women who want to pursue their dreams against all sorts of intolerance and religious bigotry. She is a guiding light for thousands of Bangladeshi women.
