Kathmandu: A leaked call has revealed that former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directly authorized the use of lethal force against anti-government protesters during last year’s student-led uprising, which led to the deaths of up to 1,400 people.
According to BBC Eye, a leaked audio recording of Hasina — verified by forensic experts — captures her instructing security forces to “shoot wherever they find [protesters].” The July 18 call, authenticated by both Bangladeshi authorities and independent experts, is now key evidence in an ongoing trial against Hasina, who is being prosecuted in absentia for crimes against humanity.
The protests, which began over civil service job quotas, escalated into a nationwide movement that ousted Hasina after 15 years in power. The bloodiest day was August 5, when Hasina fled by helicopter and at least 52 people were killed by police in a Dhaka neighborhood, BBC Eye reported.
Hasina and her Awami League party deny wrongdoing and dismiss the recording as inconclusive. The party argues decisions were made in good faith to prevent greater bloodshed. However, UN investigators say they have reasonable grounds to believe Hasina’s actions may amount to crimes against humanity.
Hasina currently resides in India, which has yet to respond to Bangladesh’s extradition request. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus now leads an interim government preparing for national elections. It remains unclear whether the Awami League will be allowed to participate.