Leaked Audio Links Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina to Lethal Crackdown on Bangladesh Protests

A leaked audio recording indicates Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh, sanctioned the use of lethal force against protesters during a deadly crackdown last year, as investigators prepare for her trial on charges of crimes against humanity.

A recent leak of audio recordings has intensified scrutiny on Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh, as it appears to confirm her authorization of a violent crackdown on protests last year that resulted in significant loss of life. The leaked phone call captures Hasina instructing security forces to use lethal weapons against demonstrators, with comments indicating a readiness to "shoot" wherever protesters were found. This damning evidence is being presented in her trial for crimes against humanity, where up to 1,400 deaths have been attributed to unrest following protests against civil service job quotas.

The details of the recording, which has since been verified by BBC Eye Investigations and other experts, suggest that the call took place on July 18, a key moment during the protests, as public sentiment turned against government actions in response to perceived police brutality. Following the call, military-grade weapons were reportedly utilized against journalists and protesters, contributing to an escalation of violence unmatched since the country's last civil conflict in 1971.

The investigation into these events has revealed a coordinated response from law enforcement toward demonstrators, leading to sparring figures of casualties; some incidents in Dhaka resulted in dozens of deaths, contradicting initial reports underestimating the violence. Eyewitness accounts and corroborating evidence confirmed that on August 5, police opened fire indiscriminately as they faced mounting public resistance, not only resulting in civilian casualties but also fatalities among police ranks in chaotic scenes marked by retaliatory protests.

In contrast, a spokesperson for Hasina's Awami League party has asserted that the leadership did not intend to unleash violence and that the security measures were deemed necessary under the circumstances. As the trial progresses, international observers, including human rights advocates, are closely monitoring developments, especially regarding Hasina's legal battles and the prospects of her return to Bangladesh. The former leader remains in India and awaits extradition requests as her political party distances itself from the actions taken during the protests. The continuing investigation highlights the broader implications of governance and accountability in Bangladesh's turbulent political landscape.