Sheikh Hasina, the long-standing Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has been in power for over a decade, with her regime marked by increasing authoritarianism. The opposition, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party ( BNP ), was subjected to severe measures during the run-up to the elections. India’s economic and security cooperation with Bangladesh under Hasina’s leadership has been significant. A 2022 OHCHR review found that the Digital Security Act was primarily used to suppress dissent, stifling free speech and political opposition. As Bangladesh seeks to reclaim its sovereignty and democratic values, it will be interesting to see whether the government shifts its stance towards India.