Leaked Audio Allegedly Links Ex-Bangladesh PM to Deadly Protest Crackdown

A leaked phone call reportedly reveals Sheikh Hasina's authorization of a violent crackdown on protesters in Bangladesh, with the audio set to be used as key evidence in her trial for crimes against humanity. The protests, sparked by civil service job quota disputes, ended in tragedy as government forces allegedly caused significant fatalities.

A devastating crackdown on student protests in Bangladesh last year was reportedly sanctioned by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to audio from one of her phone calls verified by the BBC Eye. Released online in March, the recording captures Hasina instructing her security forces to "use lethal weapons" against demonstrators, stating that "wherever they find [them], they will shoot."

Prosecutors intend to use this recording as critical evidence in Hasina's ongoing trial, held in absentia at a special tribunal for crimes against humanity. The tragedy unfolded last summer, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,400 individuals according to findings from UN investigators. Hasina has since fled to India and her party vehemently denies the charges, with Awami League representatives asserting the tape does not exhibit any "unlawful intention" or "disproportionate response."

The audio, which captured an exchange with an unidentified senior government official on July 18, is pivotal as it allegedly confirms Hasina's direct approval of firing on anti-government protesters. The protests were initially ignited over civil service job quotas designated for families of war veterans from the 1971 independence struggle, but quickly escalated into a broader movement leading to Hasina’s departure after 15 years in power. The violence marked one of the bloodiest periods in Bangladesh's history since its war of independence.

Prominent skirmishes occurred on August 5, the same day Hasina evacuated via helicopter as crowds besieged her Dhaka residence. BBC World Service's investigation uncovered severe details surrounding fatalities linked to police brutality against protesters, raising concerns about the accuracy of initial death counts.

During the critical July 18 call, Hasina was located at her official residence, while security officials grappled with public backlash over images of police violence circulating on social media. Following her directive, military-grade firearms were reportedly deployed throughout Dhaka, as seen in police documents accessed by the BBC.

Verifying the authenticity of the leaked recording, audio forensics experts found no signs of manipulation, asserting the integrity of both the content and the context. Independent analyses corroborated the recording's validity, essential for establishing Hasina’s accountability in the unrest.

In response, Awami League officials refrained from confirming the tape's authenticity. Alongside Hasina, numerous former government and police officials have been implicated in protest-related deaths, with the International Criminal Tribunal announcing indictments against 203 individuals, of whom 73 remain in custody.

In a deeply troubling incident on August 5 in Jatrabari, police are reported to have killed at least 52 protesters in a massacre eclipsing official figures. Evidence gathered through eyewitness accounts and drone footage indicates excessive police force was used immediately following the withdrawal of army personnel who had been separating law enforcement from demonstrators.

Despite this turmoil, a spokesperson for Bangladesh Police mentioned that they are conducting exhaustive investigations into the events of that July and August. After Hasina's recent trial commencement, she faces multiple charges, including instigating mass killings and failing to prevent violence against civilians. Extradition requests to India have yet to be actioned, and it's unclear if she will return for the proceedings.

While the Awami League disputes allegations of wrongdoing, the future of Bangladesh’s governance hangs in the balance as interim leader Muhammad Yunus prepares for upcoming national elections amidst uncertainty concerning the Awami League’s participation.