"Bangladesh's Political Crossroads: Democracy's Test and Regional Implications"

Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, is poised to win a fifth term amid controversy over election fairness and her refusal to appoint a caretaker government. Her tenure has seen significant economic growth, transforming Bangladesh into South Asia's second-largest economy, but has been marred by allegations of human rights abuses and suppression of democracy. Critics describe her governance as an "iron fist in a velvet glove," with the last two elections criticized for irregularities and the opposition weakened. Despite surviving 19 assassination attempts, Hasina remains determined to lead her nation towards upper-middle-income status by 2031.