Amid ongoing tensions in Bangladesh, a leaked audio recording reportedly captures former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directing security forces to use lethal methods against protesters during last year’s deadly uprisings. With numerous casualties reported, this revelation may significantly impact the proceedings of her ongoing trial for crimes against humanity.
Leaked Audio Links Ex-Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to Lethal Crackdown on Protesters
Leaked Audio Links Ex-Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to Lethal Crackdown on Protesters
A secret recording reveals Sheikh Hasina authorized her security forces to use deadly force against anti-government protesters, as the UN raises concerns over a potential crime against humanity.
A shocking leaked audio recording has surfaced, allegedly revealing that former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina authorized a deadly crackdown against protesters during the explosive unrest that gripped the nation last summer. Verified by BBC Eye Investigations, the audio captures Hasina instructing her security forces to "use lethal weapons" and indicating that they should "shoot" whenever they encounter demonstrators. The revelation poses further implications as prosecutors in Bangladesh intend to leverage the recording as critical evidence against Hasina, who has fled the country and is being tried in absentia for crimes against humanity.
The protests, ignited by dissatisfaction over civil service job quotas benefiting relatives of 1971 war veterans, escalated rapidly, leading to widespread unrest that resulted in unprecedented violence; UN investigations estimated that around 1,400 individuals lost their lives amid the upheaval. Hasina's party, the Awami League, has contested the legitimacy of the recording, denying any unlawful intent behind Hasina's actions.
This particular phone call, which took place on July 18, was pivotal as protests intensified in response to brutal police crackdowns that had been widely circulated on social media. Following Hasina's directive, military-grade weapons were reportedly employed against protesters, intensifying an already volatile atmosphere.
Audio forensic experts confirmed the authenticity of the recording, highlighting that it had not been manipulated, further solidifying its potential influence on the international tribunal proceedings against Hasina. As investigations unfold, the case has drawn comparisons to historic moments of state-sponsored violence in Bangladesh, raising critical questions about the accountability of leaders amidst accusations of gross human rights violations.
An earlier BBC investigation detailed harrowing instances of police violence, marking incidents where over 50 protesters were killed within a single day. As the country gears up for national elections under an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, the implications of Hasina's actions and the potential for international legal repercussions loom large over the political landscape of Bangladesh.
The Awami League continues to assert that their leaders acted with proportionality and good faith during the unrest, dismissing allegations from international bodies suggesting that the actions could constitute crimes against humanity. As Hasina’s trial proceeds, many around the world watch closely for the outcomes of this pivotal case.
