A leaked audio recording purportedly reveals that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina authorized her security forces to use lethal measures against protesters in Bangladesh, igniting a critical legal battle for accountability amidst a national unrest that resulted in extensive casualties.
Ex-Prime Minister of Bangladesh Accused of Authorizing Lethal Force Against Protesters
Ex-Prime Minister of Bangladesh Accused of Authorizing Lethal Force Against Protesters
Revelations from leaked audio implicate Sheikh Hasina in deadly crackdown as international tribunal prepares for trial.
A shocking leaked audio recording suggests that Sheikh Hasina, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, personally sanctioned a violent crackdown on student-led protests last summer, which has resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,400 individuals. This revelation, verified by BBC Eye, indicates that Hasina instructed her security forces to "use lethal weapons" and "shoot" protesters wherever they are found.
Bangladeshi prosecutors intend to present this recording as key evidence in her trial for crimes against humanity, which she is currently facing in absentia at a specialized tribunal. After the protests erupted over civil service job quotas, Hasina fled the country for India, denying any wrongdoing.
The audio, leaked in March, captures a pivotal phone call on July 18, during which Hasina, sheltered in her residence, allegedly gave direct orders amid rising public outrage over police violence against demonstrators. Following this call, reports emerged of military-grade firearms being used to suppress the uprising.
International human rights barrister Toby Cadman emphasized the critical nature of the recordings, which have been validated by audio forensic experts. Meanwhile, an official from Hasina’s Awami League party disputed the allegations, claiming the tape does not reflect any unlawful intent.
As the investigation continues, the graphic details surrounding the violence, including the particularly bloody incident in Jatrabari where police killed at least 52 protesters, have been corroborated by a thorough review of eyewitness accounts and video evidence. A total of 203 individuals have been indicted for their roles in the deaths, with a significant number of those implicated still at large.
With Hasina's trial ongoing, and her extradition remaining unfulfilled by India, uncertainty looms over the fate of Bangladesh's political landscape as they prepare for upcoming elections under interim leadership. The Awami League maintains its leaders acted with proportionality and integrity, refuting claims made by international investigators regarding the government's actions.
