Friday Horoscope September 30

Frustration, especially in getting things accomplished, sets today's mood. Exercise some control over your emotions and be ready to let go of some long-standing view. Think about what is relevant and important in the larger scheme of life. You may be the one appointed to take charge of a project today and you will be pleased to find several ways to move things forward. This afternoon you may find yourself interested in the problems of young people. You could find yourself devoting one day a week toward the advancement of child protection or children's educational interests. There is a keen sense of color, of music and all of the arts--the beautiful and the comfortable. New real estate has become available in your area and you plan a visit.

Visiting with a friend this morning puts you in a great mood before the workday begins. You may be thinking about updating your resume, whether you are looking for a job or not, and making appointments for future business connections. Make sure you do not overextend yourself for the next few days and you will find your energy level balances out nicely by mid-week. Being on the go and keeping a finger to the winds of change make you feel in touch. You will find yourself in group lectures, studies or presentations this afternoon. Learning and communicating may find you in the local library with research on your mind. You may also learn about a new financial investment at this time. This evening is for relaxing and for love.

There are conversations in the elevator and the break room about advancements today. An increase in salary is likely for many of the employees, including you. Working in groups is positive at this time. You may be sought after as just the person for a particular job. New ways to communicate or an easy manner will make conversations and interactions go well. You have gotten into the good habit of developing your thinking into most positive forms and you enjoy transforming a negative to a positive--and there are benefits! You may find yourself more talkative and able to deal with disturbing issues than in the past. A dialogue with an older person may take place this afternoon. Encouragement goes both ways.

New job, new project or just simply solving old problems today puts you in a great mood. That feeling of well-being also comes from good health as well as a job well done. Working conditions are good and the social atmosphere surrounding your work can be quite enjoyable this whole week. Your love life is fast-paced now and there is some serious progress in all areas of your life. There is a strong need for nurturing where you may feel the need to care for others or to have them care for you--perhaps on a public rather than private level. Community affairs or helping neighbors may be a part of these feelings. There are opportunities to be with your loved one in a social gathering this evening. It pleases you to have others recognize your loved one(s).

You can be assertive successfully today as you move forward with your career decisions. You have enthusiasm for your work and enjoy the process of success. Your professional path is clear and you will find yourself deeply involved at this time, with the technical side of your chosen profession. You will find that this is a lucky day as well. There are plenty of opportunities to expand your awareness and grow in many areas of your life. One area may include the area of finance. New things are learned today and this new information will create new ways for you to invest and, in time, double your money. This could mean investing in stock or property, etc. This evening may be a good time to reevaluate your budget. Include family members.

You find your way through the many turns and twists of solving puzzles today. You liked puzzles as a kid but professionally speaking, you may have never thought your duties would be to solve puzzles. When the public or the boss comes to you with ideas or with questions of building, fitting, matching or size . . . you can very quickly please the most difficult request. You feel successful and able to handle difficult situations. Today you set good examples to follow by taking praise as well as criticism to heart and you learn, you grow and you teach. You will prosper. In your personal life, everything centers on you. Increasing your fitness can improve your love life. You will build endurance while mastering new levels of flexibility.

You could be enjoying a rather average, or less than average day--find ways to reach out and help others. With work being rather light just now, it would be a good time to learn something new or complete any unfinished projects. Enthusiasm picks up this afternoon as you realize you are becoming more effective in the work force. You make people feel comfortable at work and at home. No matter where you are, today the matter of comfort in a business meeting or a new co-worker's quick orientation is very important. Your fear of being left out in this life can be alleviated by jumping in with both feet and putting your actions into positive outcomes. New inventions are topics of conversation tonight with family members.

You can be a great worker, once you make up your mind to moving forward. Sometimes you are not quite ready to blindly follow instructions--which can be a real plus in some cases. Once two and two make four, you have no trouble initiating things and getting them moving. This is what today is about, although it may be a bit of a struggle. Circumstances can throw you into positions where you must use your mind and deal with communications of all sorts. This may be through education, psychology, spiritual enlightenment or teaching principles and techniques. You have more than just the gift of gab. Your words and ideas can transport and enchant listeners--carrying them beyond the world as they know it into the world as they wish it could be.

You may feel inclined to create new ideas, think in new directions and spot new ways your company can grow and prosper. This will certainly help secure your job and is one of the reasons your skills are in demand. Enlarge and enhance your job skills so that you are not tied to one company. You could make plans now that require decisive actions to accomplish. Joint planning sessions go well this afternoon--differences of opinion can be worked through at this time. Business and recreational travel are favored under the energies available now, as are outdoor sports. This afternoon you may be dealing with personal matters. Making peace with the past and coming to terms with karmic debts is important at this time.

It is your turn for positive rewards. You might say the research is over and now it is showtime. Your skills are showing and you do not have to prove any points as your work speaks for you. It is time to call your own decisions and this includes choice of job, time, place, etc. Challenging authority and rocking the boat is in the past. The new broom sweeps clean; old patterns of organization and power are ripe for a new approach. Your main interest now should be in how to find the best benefits or how to provide what is needed for personal and family health and insurance protection through means other than your work. Whatever you decide, you have a wealth of information from which to pull. You can expect a more confident attitude.

Ambition and the desire for status can get a little out of touch with reality. Inflated expectations could be a problem unless you get a grip on yourself. Still, you may find that you develop a knack for being in the right place at the right time--and that can win you the admiration of others. You could develop a reputation as a prophet of some kind. You are able to appreciate and value all sorts of people today. Family members may find you especially witty and eccentric this evening. You may have insights or breakthroughs in regard to your living situation or life circumstances. Others value you for your insights. Family and real estate matter the most at this time. Your portfolio of bank loans and investments looks pretty promising just now.

Your outward seriousness and no-nonsense approach to things is obvious to all. This deliberate sense of responsibility comes across and is central to your personality and the way you relate to other people. Everything is run through your checkpoint to see if it holds up and can pass the test. You can be a stickler with details. This is a good workday and much can be accomplished. This afternoon you may find yourself visiting with the young people in your family. Close personal relationships are likely to undergo some testing. You decide to do things that will cement your ties to others and make sure they are rock-solid--if they are not, they are apt to crack under stress. Responsibility to the other people in your life is emphasized now.

Thursday Horoscope September 29

You may find yourself handling a personnel problem at work today. It is up to you to smooth the ruffled feathers and you are able to smooth problems out very well. Handling a problem is perhaps the key element in your personality make-up. How you manage difficulties, find that diplomatic solution, or come up with the right approach are all built around your talents. You sometimes forget that you have this ability to charm others, solve problems and put others at ease. Keep an eye on expenses. Continued success on the career level may point to your abandoning some of your ideals. While success is important, do not throw the baby out with the bath water. Try for a good compromise--opportunities continue.

In-depth discussions and probing conversations will find you at your mental best today. Your analytical abilities are praiseworthy. Your perception is heightened as you become involved in some problem solving. Your career motivation is constant and relentless. You will prosper by staying focused. You may win favor with your superiors by determining and honoring their expectations and showing outstanding effort. In a community organization this afternoon, pay attention to rumors and confront anyone who might be undermining your position or efforts with the truth. Expect a sense of support and goodwill from those around you. You get the attention of others when you speak. Tonight is all arranged . . . bring a camera and enjoy.

Someone may challenge your values or good taste today. You could find it difficult to be appreciative of others just now. This is not the best time to shop, choose colors, etc. You may not find full support for your particular tastes. Some of the planets are in position to create a tendency to lack any real sense of yourself or be unable to communicate or convey your ideas--patience. Take your breaks--stay away from greasy, heavy meals, drink plenty of water and exercise this afternoon. You will find a return of your energies in no time. Although you have the ability to rally support, today is a day to seek solitude. The afternoon and evening will be much more positive for you and a walk after the evening meal can be quite enjoyable.

Everything points to your taking the initiative. You could feel great support from those around you, or circumstances could dictate your taking action. You feel healthy and natural. This is a time of good fortune when things open up in a very natural way for you. Seek to expand your horizons so as to advance your career. You may more easily make a positive impression on someone in an influential position now. Opportunities present themselves and you may find yourself wanting and able to do almost everything. Confirming your plans will secure the outcome. This is a very good time to communicate your goals and put them into words. It is also a good time for carrying out your plans. The attention of young people this evening is joyful.

This is a time of change and this change may manifest as an inner search for a deep meaning of some spirit-filled situation. If an unusual opportunity presents itself, give it your attention and ask plenty of questions. You may have flashes of insight and breakthroughs regarding your deepest sense of truth. Perhaps unconventional, you are straightforward about getting to the heart and truth of things. Getting your message across to others is at a high this afternoon. A commitment you make now may bring opportunities for career advancement soon. You are ready to take an intimate relationship to the next level. You might enjoy planning a trip together. Take time to get away from the everyday hassles this coming weekend.

You may wish you had more of the self-assurance of a friend or co-worker. Never fear . . . you appear perhaps more charming and refined than usual. Now could be the time to set up an appointment, apply for a job or otherwise make yourself known. Contact with important individuals and making personal appeals is advised today. Perhaps a small amount of insecurity is good--you will not rush into chancy opportunities for now. You are, however, driven and passionate in your pursuit of inner growth at this time. You search for opportunities to grow and enhance your life. You use as much passion to improve your health this afternoon. You find a good outlet for your extra energy and are to be praised for your efforts.

Travel and other contacts with faraway people and places will play a bigger role for you now. Such things bring love and gain in one way or another. Higher education or philosophical or religious contacts could have a part in making good things happen. This is a great time to work and be with others. You may be sought after as just the person for a particular job. You are an aggressive prime mover, a starter, able to initiate and get things moving. Not always hot on the follow-up, you may tend to get the ball rolling and get out and go on to other things. This is one of the things that make you a better leader than a follower. You may be sought after for your advice regarding very personal issues this evening. There is a new understanding.

People enter and exit your area of work; you process paperwork, look up files and check on benefits and even answer phones--the day is a busy but successful one. Think about your choices before you make them today--circumstances could be misleading. You are coming into new energies that are centered on taking what you know and what you have achieved and making the most of it. Assimilating information and learning lessons and putting them into practice is the focus now. It's a time for prudence and stewardship, a time to tend to the details. Your intuition is strong and can guide you accurately in making forecasts or decisions. A positive attitude will help you overcome any difficulties now. Hug your family members for no reason.

There is a drive to probe and penetrate the actions of another today. Be patient with yourself as well as others just now and you will gain the positive response you need at this time. Your struggle to succeed is aided when you show self-control. You may find yourself working on several difficult projects today. Checking your thoughts may be the most essential skill for shaping both your inner and outer experience. This afternoon you may be moved to appreciate the beauty in your life and in those around you. Taking some time to relax, you may notice the many blessings around you . . . you will be pleased. Be careful that you do not overspend or indulge too much just now. You are rewarded by saying no to a get-rich-quick scheme tonight.

Working in groups or as a team player proves most profitable today. You may be sought after as just the person for a particular job. Real power is always hidden--finding it means delving into the secret places and that's where you are bound to look now. The forbidden, the taboo areas, the great mysteries that no one speaks about in "polite" company seem to hold the answers and you seem compelled to deal with them. You are having fun today--your mind is stimulated and there is much to accomplish. This afternoon seems to hold the same pattern as you may find yourself being put to good use by your friends, or it could be that circumstances force you to reorganize and be more conservative. All of this should go smoothly--be guided by your common sense.

You may find yourself confronting an authority figure today. This could be a good thing if you are friends as well because a clear understanding may be what is needed to push for positive results concerning a whole group. If you are not close, phrase your question carefully and show that you want what is best for the whole. Do not push if your questions do not receive clear answers. Radical and inventive ideas may hold the key to realizing your ambitions and advancing your status--a shake-up could be in the works. The new broom sweeps clean; old patterns of organization and power are ripe for an innovative approach. You are gifted and even lucky when it comes to career decisions. Things will manage to work out well for you at this time.

Your job may be one where the direction is already planned. Perhaps there are schedules and steps by which you are guided. This creates the best working condition and you can outshine anyone as you support those in control. Others love to be with you and have you work for them. Once the ground rules are laid out, you can take the bull by the horns and make most businesses profit high above the others. There is something about you that others cannot seem to get enough of; yet for all your confidence, you may depend on outside advice and council. This could be a wise move as you may sometimes lose sight of the bigger picture. Do be careful, however, in whom you confide. Travel, education and other ways to stretch your horizons are available now.

Wednesday Horoscope September 28

You take time to think and study, for you have a real appreciation for the creative mind. Making your mark on the world has special significance now. Achievement, ambition and authority take on a greater importance. Organizing and administering to people and projects will become central to your lifestyle. Save a little time for having lunch with a friend. Getting away from the workplace for a while will help you have renewed energy when you return. This friend may be someone that works in a neighborhood shop--lovely to have a different perspective. Through this friend you may learn new and positive ways to view certain things in your life. Time and thought, not necessarily money, will resolve problems in a love relationship.

You are very much your own boss. You are at your most practical when it comes to dealing and working with others. You know just what to do and can act without haste. You are called on to make use of your natural problem-solving skills during group meetings. You are very career-oriented and your personal reputation and honor is of the utmost importance. You possess a natural sense of organization and practical insight and may excel at managing or supervising others. So now that you know this . . . it is time to create a better job for yourself by updating that resume, requesting a job change, etc. You naturally gravitate toward positions of power and authority. Your home life is full of laughter and sweet music this evening.

You are in a mood of self-enjoyment and can appreciate your own better qualities. You communicate with skill and it is stimulating to be around you. Your high degree of mental concentration makes you an excellent student--able to excel in speaking, writing and all types of communication skills. Your ambitions go hand-in-hand with communication and using the mind and the two should never be far apart. You may see value in or feel love for an older person or someone in authority today. Ask questions and take notes; this elder has seen many interesting things. This evening is a good time to study--you have a real appreciation for science. You may find yourself enjoying a long conversation, writing a letter, or making a special phone call.

This could be a stressful day but you have the opportunity to rise above the stress. Take a moment to surrender your agenda and become centered or focused. You are able to succeed in whatever you set your mind to do at this time. Look for ways to avoid confrontations with co-workers or superiors. Your ideas can be presented on paper and this will help others to think before they question your techniques or ideas. Given time, your ideas will win approval--do not push. Writers, salesmen and performers shine during this time. Involvement with special interest groups will help your progress in the work field now. Your ideas have a strong influence. True wisdom lies in discovering that there are no ultimate answers, only good questions.

You do a lot to fulfill the popular stereotype of a genius. You have such an outpouring of insights that having a conversation with you can be a real experience. Your mind works like lightning. Words and thoughts come quickly, illuminating whatever subject is at hand. You really do have very different ideas and ways of expressing them. If you are looking for a job or an upgrade within your company, now is the time to make your move. There may be a sustained interest in communication, computers, electronics and all that is electrical. Updating or purchasing electronic equipment may occupy your mind this afternoon. Compare prices and talk to people that are using the brand that you want to purchase in order to have a recommendation.

Luxury is desired just now. Growth and success could be tied to your possessions or to the way you possess and respond to the various ideas and impulses in your life. You could benefit through material support. With material support you tend to invest wisely. You could save a little here and there and be your own support person. Investments take on a whole new perspective when you use your own saved funds. You may find you enjoy making your own fortune. Home, family and real estate are some of the interests that require a lot of discipline and responsibility. If you get serious about these things and think long-term, you come out ahead; otherwise, you could find yourself in a tight situation. Tidy up--company's coming.

You can expect a little encouragement today, some sort of extra support or recognition from those around you is a possibility. You may feel that you are in touch and in harmony with others; the lines of communication are open. Cooperation is the secret word to your progress and you are willing to do just that--cooperate. The power of organization on a social scale, business, political and such, seems to take on a larger-than-life aura as you enter into a new period. It's as if ambition and authority are answers in themselves, rather than only a means to an ideal objective. This can lead to duplicity, ambitious schemes that tend to be lost along the way. Stay on track and remember, what you see is not always what is real.

Independence, as well as anything unusual or different, is valued this Wednesday. You may enjoy getting away from routine and doing something completely different for a change. You draw emotional nourishment and a sense of security from ideals, friends and social involvement. There is a need for change, a desire to break with outmoded patterns from the past and a longing for the new, the different and the unique. This could be anything from a new chair to some new communication equipment. Dance, creative arts or an exercise group will keep your energy in balance so that any future stress can be worked through quickly. You and a loved one may plan a future camping trip and enjoy a new environment or territory together.

A friend, who may also be a co-worker, comes up with ideas today that will help both of you get ahead in the work field. Your fear of taking risks can be set aside when there is someone with whom you can share the risk taking. In both your personal and private lives you are highly organized--others seek you out for advice regarding business affairs. When you become cognizant of what you are doing and the power you have to accomplish your goals, your thinking ability will become most positive. Rest, fun and exercise are important this afternoon. You are an excellent planner with a real head for detail, including keeping up with your money. Good insight into personal investments is possible today. A sense of harmony is in your home.

A bit of restlessness in the wee hours this morning may find you wishing there had been better rest. Instead of allowing your mind to control you--learn ways to control your mind. Your birth sign shows you have an active mind and keeping your mind busy will help you focus. While you are working you could have a notebook handy for ongoing short story ideas or projects that you want to work on either now or in the future. When you are not working, you would be wise to set aside time for walking or bicycling. While walking, bicycling or driving, you might enjoy listening to recorded stories or self-help ideas. While at home, you may want to work with your hands in some creative activity. You will be able to take care of any restlessness in the future.

Those around you, or the situation you find yourself in, may not feel right to you. Saying the right words could be of the utmost importance. You could, however, be challenged. There is a great opportunity to use your problem-solving skills today. Some new techniques may be in order. Reading books on solving problems or on communicating with difficult people may be helpful. You could find these books in the business or self-help department of your library. You seem to shine when it comes to practical matters or those involving work and career. You have an easy way with superiors or those in authority and can always get the most out of any skill or ability you have. You like work but it is important to relax with a different interest this evening.

It is important to concentrate on work-related problems today. Exercise gurus have always suggested a discipline in thinking, because thoughts are things like anything else. They manifest themselves in what you are. In other words, energy follows thought. Create in your mind how you want your day to go and let nothing distract you. Your organizational abilities and sense of responsibility will be what guides you and proves successful. Your career, or educational path could assume a much more determined and solid form--a firm foundation. Your home environment, friends and surroundings in general receive encouragement now. You will notice that your work or career is in real harmony with the rest of your life.

Awami League Leader of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina 1947

Sheikh Hasina (Bengali: শেখ হাসিনা Shekh Hasina) (born September 28, 1947) is a Bangladeshi politician and current Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She has been the President of the Awami League, a major political party, since 1981. She is the eldest of five children of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father (and first president) of Bangladesh and widow of a reputed nuclear scientist, M. A. Wazed Miah. Sheikh Hasina's party defeated the BNP-led Four-Party Alliance in the 2008 parliamentary elections, thus assuring her of the post of prime minister. Sheikh Hasina has once before held the office, from 1996 to 2001.

Sheikh Hasina's political career started as a student activist in Eden College in the 1960s. While at College, she was elected vice president of the College Students Union for the term 1966–67. Her opponent was the leftist student leader Matia Chowdhary, who much later joined Awami League and became a member of Hasina's cabinet.

At the University of Dhaka Sheikh Hasina was a member of the Chhatra League (the student wing of Awami League) and secretary of its Rokeya Hall unit. During the liberation war in 1971, Hasina, then a young mother, was held under house arrest with her mother, brothers, sister and her son. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was imprisoned in West Pakistan during this period. After liberation, Hasina's involvement in politics was minimal as Sheikh Kamal, her brother, was touted as Mujib's successor.

Member of the National Assembly

Her political and personal destiny was irrevocably altered on the fateful night of August 15, 1975, when her father and almost her entire family, including her mother and three brothers, was assassinated in a coup d'état by a section of disgruntled officers of the Bangladesh Army, some of whom were freedom fighters during 1971. Sheikh Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana were on a goodwill tour of West Germany at that time. Hasina then sought refuge in United Kingdom and later, in India. She lived in exile in New Delhi, India, until May 17, 1981, when she was allowed to return to Bangladesh.

Movement against autocracy

While living in self-exile in India, Sheikh Hasina was elected President of Bangladesh Awami League in 1981. After she returned to the country, President Ziaur Rahman was assassinated in yet another coup in May, 1981. The following year, General Hossain Mohammad Ershad captured power through a bloodless coup and declared martial law. In 1983, Hasina formed the 15-party alliance to launch a movement to oust him from power. She was in and out of detention throughout the 1980s. Her party, along with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by Ziaur Rahman's widow Khaleda Zia, was instrumental in the movement against the military rule. In 1984, Hasina was put under house arrest in February and then again in November. In March 1985, she was put under house arrest for three months.

In 1990, Hasina's 8-party alliance was instrumental along with another BNP-led alliance in finally removing the Ershad regime.

Under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, Awami League formed an alliance with Ershad's Jatiya Party in 1991.

Leader of the opposition

Sheikh Hasina and her party Awami League participated in the 1986 Parliamentary elections held under President Lieutenant-General Hossain Mohammad Ershad. She served as the leader of the opposition in 1986–1987. Hasina's decision to take part in the election has been criticized by her opponents, since the election was held under dictatorial rule. Her supporters maintain that she used the platform effectively to challenge Ershad's rule. The parliament was dissolved in December 1987.

The first democratic elections were held in 1991 after a long period of military rule. A caretaker government, headed by Shahabuddin Ahmed, the outgoing chief justice, oversaw the elections. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party won the election, and Hasina's Awami League emerged as the largest opposition party. Hasina was defeated in the Dhaka constituency that she contested by Sadeque Hossain Khoka, later Mayor of Dhaka, but was elected to the Parliament from her home constituency in Gopalganj. Hasina accused the BNP of "nuanced rigging" in elections. Hasina, nevertheless, offered to resign as the party president but later stayed on at the request of party leaders. Khaleda Zia of the BNP took office as the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

Politics in Bangladesh took a decisive turn in 1994, after Magura by-elections. This election was held after the MP for that constituency, a member of Hasina's party, died. The Awami League was expected to win it back, but the seat was won by the BNP. The opposition parties accused the BNP of widespread rigging and the election commission of incompetence. The Awami League, with other opposition parties, demanded that the next general elections be held under a caretaker government, and that the notion of a caretaker government be incorporated in the constitution. The ruling party of Khaleda Zia, Hasina's arch rival, refused to give in to these demands.

Opposition parties launched an unprecedented campaign, calling strikes for weeks on end. The government accused them of destroying the economy while the opposition countered that BNP could solve this problem by acceding to their demands. In late 1995, the MPs of the Awami League and other parties lost their seats due to prolonged absence from parliament. The government declared elections on February 15, 1996, an election that was boycotted by all major parties except the ruling BNP. Hasina claimed that the election was a farce. The elected parliament, composed mostly of BNP members, finally amended the constitution to create provisions for a caretaker government. The next parliamentary elections were held under a caretaker government headed by Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman on June 30, 1996.

Prime minister

U.S. President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina making a joint statement to the press following their bilateral meeting at the Prime Minister's office in Dhaka during Clinton's visit to Bangladesh in March 2000.

The Awami League won 146 seats in the 1996 parliamentary elections. The support of the Jatiya Party and a few independent candidates were enough for the 150+ seats needed for the required majority. Hasina took the oath as Prime minister of Bangladesh. She vowed to create a Government of National Unity. Though some smaller parties and a few individuals from BNP did join the government, the distance between the main two political parties (as well as their leaders) remained as large as ever. Hasina did manage to convince Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed, who led the first caretaker government, to assume the post of President. This selection of an unbiased person as president was praised by her supporters as a proof of Hasina's goodwill to reach out to the opposition.

A major achievement of the new government was to strike a treaty between India and Bangladesh concerning the Farakka Barrage, a bone of contention between the two countries ever since it was built in the 1960s. According to the treaty, Bangladesh was to receive 33 thousand cubic feet per second (930 m³/s) of water. Hasina next went on to create a 'Peace Treaty' with the tribal rebels in the mountainous southeast of the country, thus seemingly solving a problem as old as Bangladesh itself. Though rebel activities have reduced greatly after the treaty, the region remains a hotbed of tension.

On the down side, the Awami League was criticized for harbouring gangsters turned politicians, most notably Jainal Hazari of Feni. Her government was also criticized for overusing Sheikh Mujibur Rahman—the country's founding leader and also father to Sheikh Hasina—in the media and naming many major public institutions and constructions after him. The Awami League maintained that previous governments had tried to systematically eradicate Sheikh Mujib's legacy from the country and that the honour he was getting was long overdue. The BNP also accused the Awami League of politicising the administration and state-owned media. Her party was also accused of being lenient towards India, especially after a shootout between border forces of India and Bangladesh left 16 Indian and 3 Bangladeshi border guards dead.

During the last year of her rule, Transparency International declared Bangladesh to be the most corrupt country in the world. Though Bangladesh had almost always been in the bottom five, the last position created an uproar and was seen by many as a major failure by Hasina. Though Hasina was voted out of office later, Bangladesh remained at the last position for some more years. The opposition demanded that Hasina resign and declare early elections, but Hasina refused to do so. She became the first democratically elected prime minister to complete her term.

Justice Latifur Rahman became the head of the caretaker government. Awami League alleged that he was biased towards BNP after he transferred a large number of civil servants immediately after taking office. Later, Hasina would also accuse President Shahabuddin Ahmed and election official Abu Sayeed of biased actions.

Landslide defeat (Election 2001)

The Awami League succumbed to a landslide defeat in the 2001 Parliament elections. It won only 62 seats in the Parliament, while the 'Four Party Alliance' led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party won more than 200 seats, giving them a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Hasina herself was defeated in a constituency in Rangpur, which happened to contain her husband's hometown, but won in two other seats. Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League rejected the results, claiming that the election was rigged with the help of the President and the Caretaker government. However, the international community was largely satisfied with the elections and the 'Four Party Alliance' went on to form the government.

The Awami League has been irregular in attending the Parliament ever since. Hasina maintains that the ruling party didn't give the opposition enough time on the floor. In late 2003, the Awami League started its first major anti-government movement, culminating in the declaration by party general secretary Abdul Jolil that the government would fall before April 30, 2004. This failed to happen and was seen as a blow to the party and Hasina herself, who had implicitly supported Jalil.

In her second term in opposition, Hasina had to face assassination attempts against herself and killings of important party personnel. Ahsanullah Master, an MP, was killed in 2004. This was followed by a grenade attack on Hasina in Dhaka, resulting in the death of 21 party supporters, including party women's secretary Ivy Rahman. Finally, her ex finance minister Shah M S Kibria was killed in a grenade attack in Sylhet.

In June 2005, the Awami League got a boost when AL-nominated incumbent mayor A.B.M. Mohiuddin Chowdhury won the important mayoral election in Chittagong, the port city and second largest city in Bangladesh. This election was seen as a showdown between the opposition and the ruling party.

The planned January 22, 2007, elections were marred by controversy. The Awami League and its allies protested, saying that the elections would not be fair because of alleged bias by the caretaker government in favor of Khaleda Zia and the BNP. Hasina demanded that the head of the caretaker government, President Iajuddin Ahmed, step down and on January 3, 2007, she announced that the Awami League and its allies would boycott the elections. Later in the month a state of emergency was imposed, Ahmed stepped down, and the elections were postponed.

Extortion allegations and criminal charges

On April 9, 2007, it was announced that Bangladesh police were investigating extortion charges against Hasina. She was accused of forcing Bangladeshi businessman Tajul Islam Farooq to pay bribes before his company could build a power plant in 1998. Farooq said that he paid Hasina 30 million takas (US$441,000, or €383,211) to get his project approved by the government, according to a police official.

On April 11, murder charges were filed against her by the police, alleging that she masterminded the killing of four supporters of a rival political party in October 2006. The four alleged victims were beaten to death during clashes between the Awami League and rival party activists. Deputy police commissioner, Shahidul Haq Bhuiyan said "detective branch police submitted the charge-sheet of the case to a Dhaka court today after carrying out investigations and taking evidence." She was visiting the United States at the time.

The interim administration subsequently took steps to prevent Hasina's return to Bangladesh, with The New Nation newspaper reporting on April 17 that airlines had been asked not to allow her to return to Dhaka. She had been planning to return on April 23. On April 18, the government barred Hasina from her planned return, saying that she had made provocative statements and that her return could cause disorder. This was described as a temporary measure. Hasina vowed to return home anyway, and on April 22, a warrant was issued by a Bangladeshi court for her arrest. On the same day, Hasina attempted to board a flight back to Bangladesh in London but was not allowed on the flight. Labelling the case against her as "totally false and fake", Hasina said that she wanted to defend herself against the charges in court. On April 23, the arrest warrant was suspended, and on April 25 the ban on Hasina's entry into the country was dropped.

With her rival Khaleda Zia being pressured to go into exile at the same time, the government's actions against Hasina appeared to be an attempt to restructure the political system rather than an attempt to support her rival.

After spending 51 days in the United States and the UK, at 4:45 p.m. on 7 May 2007 Sheikh Hasina arrived at Airport in Dhaka, where she was greeted by a jubilant crowd of several thousands. At the airport Hasina told reporters that it was a mistake for the government to stop her from returning and that she hoped it would not make a bigger mistake", while acknowledging that its reversal was a positive gesture.

July 2007 arrest

On July 16, 2007, Hasina was arrested by state police at her home and taken before a local court in Dhaka. She was accused of extortion and denied bail on the same day, and was held in a building converted into a jail on the premises of the National Parliament. According to the Awami League, the arrest was politically motivated.

On July 17, the Anti-Corruption Commission sent a notice to Hasina, along with Zia, requesting that details of her assets be submitted to the Commission within one week.

Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy stated that the caretaker government were going beyond their limits, saying he did not plan to return to Bangladesh immediately but would try to organize worldwide protest. The arrest was widely seen as move by the military-backed interim government to force Sheikh Hasina from Bangladesh into political exile. Earlier attempts had been made to bar her from coming back to Bangladesh. United Kingdom MPs condemned the arrest.

On July 30, the Dhaka High Court suspended the extortion trial of her and ordered her release on bail. On September 2, an additional case was filed against Hasina by the Anti-Corruption Commission regarding the awarding of a contract for the construction of a power plant in 1997, for which she allegedly took a bribe of 30 million takas and kept the contract from going to the lowest bidder; six others were also accused of involvement. This coincided with a case filed against Zia on the same day.

On January 13, 2008, she was indicted by a special court along with two of her relatives, her sister Sheikh Rehana and her cousin Sheikh Selim, on extortion charges. On February 6, however, the High Court stopped the trial, ruling that she could not be prosecuted under emergency laws for alleged crimes committed prior to the imposition of the state of emergency.

On June 11, 2008, Hasina was released on parole for medical reasons and the next day she flew to the United States to be treated for hearing impairment, eye problems and high blood pressure. Prof. Syed Modasser Ali, her personal physician, threatened to sue the caretaker government over negligence regarding Hasina's treatment during her detention.

Landslide victory (Election 2008)

On November 6, 2008, Hasina returned to Bangladesh to lead her party in general elections scheduled for December 29, 2008. On December 11, 2008 Sheikh Hasina announced her party's election manifesto during a news conference. In her election manifesto she vowed to build a "Digital Bangladesh" by 2021. Sheikh Hasina's Awami league won the elections on 29 December 2008 with an overwhelming majority.

Sheikh Hasina's party defeated Begum Khaleda Zia's BNP in the 2008 Parliamentary Elections. Her party achieved a landslide victory reminiscent of the 1971 elections of Pakistan. Under her leadership, the party has achieved a supermajority in parliament, controlling 230 seats out of 299. She was sworn into office as the Prime Minister for the second time on 6 January 2009. The Prime Minister is the most powerful executive position in Bangladesh, although technically of lower seniority compared to the office of President. Begum Zia, however, rejected the results of the election, sarcastically thanking the Chief Election Commissioner "for stage-managing the parliamentary election" in a statement. But, according to the views expressed by foreign and local election observers, the general elections were free, fair and credible.

Personal life

Sheikh Hasina married Dr. M. A. Wazed Mia, a nuclear scientist, in 1968. He died on 9 May 2009. She has two children—Sajeeb Wazed Joy (son), and Saima Wazed Hossain Putul (daughter). Joy lives in the United States with his family, and Putul lives in Canada with her.

Prime Minister Hasina is a member of the Council of Women World Leaders, an International network of current and former women presidents and prime ministers, whose mission is to mobilize women leaders globally for collective action on issues of critical importance to women's development.

[edit] Books

• ওরা টোকাই কেন? Ora ţokai kêno? (Why are they street children?), 1987
• বাংলাদেশে স্বৈরতন্ত্রের জন্ম Bangladeshe shoirotôntrer jônmo (Birth of autocracy in Bangladesh), 1993
• দারিদ্র বিমোচন, কিছু ভাবনা Daridro bimochon, kichhu bhabna (Thoughts on eradication of poverty), 1993
• আমার স্বপ্ন, আমার সংগ্রাম Amar shôpno, amar shônggram (My dream, my struggle), 1996
• People and democracy,1997
• আমরা জনগণের কথা বলতে এসেছি Amra jônogoner kôtha bolte eshechhi (We want to speak for the people), 1998
• বৃহৎ জনগোষ্ঠীর জন্য উন্নয়ন Brihot jônogoshţhir jonno unnôeon (Development for the large masses), 1999
• Development of the masses, 1999
• সামরিক তন্ত্র বনাম গণতন্ত্র Shamorik tôntro bônam gônotôntro (Military rule versus democracy), 1999
• আন্তর্জাতিক সম্পর্ক উন্নয়ন Antorjatik shômporko unnôeon (Improvement of international relations), 2001
• বিপন্ন গণতন্ত্র, লাঞ্ছিত মানবতা Bipônno gônotôntro, lanchhito manobota (see following entry for English name), 2002
• Democracy in distress, demeaned humanity, 2003
• সহেনা মানবতার অবমাননা (Against degradation of humanity), 21 February 2003
• Living with tears, 2004

Tuesday Horoscope September 27

Working in groups affords the opportunity to strengthen a unit. You may be required to lead or lend advice. Your management abilities are good and your sense of responsibility is so well developed that you always end up managing the situations in which you become involved. You may have to be careful in this area since others could take advantage of you quite easily. You display your eagerness for your work and much is accomplished today. This is a particularly good day in that a new piece of equipment or technique is something you are already familiar with and others could be asking for your advice. Your greatest pleasure this month is the time you are recognized for the progress you have made.

Your keyword today is responsibility. You are able to find yourself in others--a mirror or clear pool. You are a genius at bringing out others and getting them to do things for themselves or for you--you are a born strategist. You like to discuss and communicate, usually at a psychological and very personal level. Careful--some may find you a bit too intense. Your love of the spiritual and the eternal is clear to all who meet you. You could find yourself involved in long conversations while visiting with friends this afternoon. You love to solve the problems of the world, at least in words and images--and when you tell it, all are enchanted. A favorite hobby may take up the evening: building, admiring, plotting to make additions, etc.

Taking care of business is a major theme where your emotional orientation is concerned. You crave organization and practicality and you want to get things accomplished. Your hard work pays off today and much can be accomplished. You have a mind for what is practical, organized and logical. Your employer is probably happy to get you--you are a natural for any management position or in dealing with the public. Some past investment needs review and perhaps revising. You may find that now is a good time to reinvest this old investment in some other direction--there is the possibility of additional gains. If you have not had communication with the eldest person in your family, you may want to show them some consideration now.

Your efforts really pay off and life seems to run smoothly. Now you have the ability for sustained work that allows you to coordinate and organize like never before. You will bring to completion, uncompleted tasks. This is a nice day that should just flow along. The schedule you set for yourself today can be helpful but taxing. If you can work in some focused exercise program later today, you will find it easier to relax this evening. Children have your attention this evening and it is a good time for play. Really join in and enjoy the play that children can create. This may mean creating something out of clay or simply coloring in a book. You could feel real connections and harmony at this time for circumstances and those around you.

Taking care of business is a major theme today. You desire successful organization and practicality and you want to get things accomplished. Things are happening and your career or path depends upon your own aspirations which are strong now. You are able to use good common sense and you can feel the trends and make the right moves. You will be pleased with the results of your actions. You are most persuasive with others. You have eloquent skills in speech. The circumstances are good today for self-expression. A good conversation with those you love is possible later this evening. Any misunderstandings of the past have a good opportunity to be healed. Enjoy a brisk walk with your friend this evening.

There is a certain amount of transition taking place. This could mean job advancement soon. You may find yourself uninterested in sidetracks--what is not essential for future advancement. You can really tune in on how to solve problems and get where you want to go when it comes to your profession. This could be a crucial time during which--depending upon what age this takes place--you reach new highs of accomplishment. This will bring great discipline and a concentration or focus that could make or break you. You have the ability to work hard. You draw emotional sustenance and a sense of security from ideals, friends and social involvement now. There is a need for change, a desire to break with outmoded patterns.

This is a productive day. You have insight into your professional life and you are developing future plans that will be valuable. Your path is toward cooperation and union with others, even at the expense of the practical and selfish. This may mean you are working toward some goal that involves legal or psychological subjects. You enjoy the interaction with others and may find yourself in volunteer programs so as to feel useful and complete. You may often wonder if you are doing your job well and if you take a look at the results, you will be pleased to see the successes. Sometimes it is good to just reach around and pat yourself on the back for a job well done; you are getting better and better every day. Music fills the air this evening.

You may appear very cool and collected today. Review contracts and reconsider legal actions during the next few days--avoid jumping into a risky opportunity that has too many unanswered questions. Also, reconsider the cost before you personally take on large expenditures. Researching a product is important--you could get into something that is not as useful as you thought. A natural transformation of your values--the way you appreciate and love yourself and others is taking place now. You may cease to waste time and money and may develop an eye for that which is lasting and worthwhile. Circumstances can throw you into positions where you may deal with education, psychology, spiritual enlightenment or teaching principles and techniques.

You are coming into a time centered on taking what you know and what you have and then making the most of it. Assimilating information and experience and learning lessons and putting what you learn into practice is the focus as this period unfolds. Taking care of business is a major theme. You enjoy the results of practicality and organized works; you are successful. You aim to have a place for everything and everything in its place, including your personal life. On a personal level it is important to keep all of your basics in perspective; rest, appreciation of life and laughter are adequate to your needs. Romance can be wonderful in the right circumstances and those circumstances present themselves tonight. Good smells come from the grill tonight.

There is time this morning to complete unfinished business. This morning you will also accidentally find an item that has been missing for some time. This could be a possession that belongs to you or to someone that is close to you. Your decision-making ability in the work area shows some well-directed action is called for today. However, you must be watchful for possible moments of pride. Challenging authority and striving for success are on your agenda now. Ambition is a powerful motivation and can lead you into conflict if you let it get out of control. If properly channeled, ambition results in great achievements and recognition. Some fun time with friends this evening brings plenty of opportunity for laughter, song and gossip your way.

You are a great doer, and can accomplish quite a lot. You will find yourself working with the public today. This could mean solving customer-relations problems. The skillful ways you handle people make you a natural for working with or for the public. You would make an excellent teacher, career counselor or financial advisor--and could enjoy performing these tasks quite well. The only problems in your career are the fears you might have toward qualifying for work in which you are not familiar. Your career is never really a problem--you have the kind of drive that others could only dream of having. This evening there is an opportunity to use your imagination to improve your living environment. Simplicity works.

You somehow manage to gravitate to the center of almost any happening these days. Others accept you, for they sense you are a leader and they admire your almost regal manner. You talk with someone new and find a different vision. You may decide to ask for a raise or request a loan today. Refinement and relationships are the keys to emotional satisfaction now. Close personal ties to other people are a focal point for your feelings--marriage and other partnerships could be a key arena for this. If you smoke, or have some other habit that is bad for your health, this is the day you will create another avenue where you can express yourself. Insights into your deeper, more spiritual nature are available now. Harmony surrounds you this evening.