Streaming giant Netflix offers a glimpse into the minds of history's most notorious figures with docuseries like "The Notebook of Dictators" and "The Notebook of Cult Leaders." But what if we were told that there's a real-time documentary on tyrants unfolding, not on screen, but in the pronouncements of certain world leaders?

For those seeking a chillingly authentic look at the tactics of a tyrant, look no further than some of the speeches of Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. While dictators of the past relied on secret diaries or coded messages, the modern tyrant might leave their playbook wide open – in televised addresses and public pronouncements.

By analyzing these pronouncements, we can obviously identify the classic hallmarks of authoritarian rule: suppression of dissent, manipulation of information, and the consolidation of power.

Consider the latest presser, which Prime Minister Hasina arranged upon her return from Thailand. A very familiar scene unfolded there–a group of fawning journalists, a set of rhetorical questions, and some self-congratulations. At one point, PM Hasina launched her customary diatribe against the main political oppositions.

“Who would come to power if I’m overthrown?" she asked, "Who would work for the country? Whom do they want to bring to power?" she pointed out her main political oppositions. This is not clear. And, since this is not clear, you [oppositions] are not getting the response of the people.”

Now, let’s analyze why such speech has all the hallmarks of a classic tyrant.

A tyrant's defining characteristic is an inflated sense of self-importance. They believe themselves to be the nation's sole savior, the only one capable of leadership. This arrogance, or hubris, fuels their oppression.

They justify suppressing the people by claiming it's for their own good. In their minds, the people are incapable of making the right choices, so they take away their right to vote.

By questioning who would be worthy to replace her, Hasina obviously fulfilled the first defining criteria of a dictator.

Let’s analyze further what she said at the presser.

“They have been waging a futile movement from abroad with the help of digital technology that I introduced in the country. We've built a digital Bangladesh, yet they launch their online campaign daily, issuing empty orders. Let them continue their charade – I'm not stopping them,” said Hasina.

Now, a tyrant's megalomania isn't their only weapon. They are also shameless liars.

Over the past few years, thousands of dissenters have been killed, abducted, or imprisoned. Harsh laws are enacted to crush any opposition. Security forces are unleashed to silence the public. People live in fear, knowing that speaking out will have severe consequences. Sevrey repressive Acts like Digital Security Act were launched and weaponized against political oppositions and dissenters.

Many independent human rights observers have agreed that Bangladesh has become a different sort of “Orwellian nightmare.”

As if insults of questioning people’s capacity of choosing their own leaders and political opposition's struggle to restore democracy was not enough. Like a classic tyrant, Hasina wanted to sub salt into the injury by portraying the recent election, demonstrably rigged through low voter turnout witnessed both domestically and internationally, as a sign of her public approval.

“People are my strength. I will stay in power as long as they want me here," she told the presser.