As Bangladesh grapples with the aftermath of violent protests that led to the ousting of ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a leaked audio recording suggests her direct authorisation of lethal force against protesters. The recording is being used as evidence in a trial against Hasina, amidst claims of mass killings during the unrest.
Leaked Audio Allegedly Reveals Authorisation for Lethal Force Against Protesters by Former Bangladeshi Leader
Leaked Audio Allegedly Reveals Authorisation for Lethal Force Against Protesters by Former Bangladeshi Leader
A leaked audio recording reportedly captures ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ordering security forces to use lethal weapons against demonstrators, raising serious concerns about human rights violations in Bangladesh.
A recent investigation has surfaced concerning the actions of Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, during a deadly crackdown on protests last year. According to a leaked audio recording verified by BBC Eye, Hasina allegedly instructed her security forces to utilize lethal weapons against demonstrators, declaring that they should "shoot" whenever they encounter protesters. This audio, released online in March, has prompted legal actions against Hasina, who is currently being tried in absentia at a special tribunal for crimes against humanity.
The recorded conversation suggests her government’s direct involvement in the violent suppression of protests, which reportedly resulted in approximately 1,400 deaths, as per U.N. investigations. Hasina, who has fled to India, vehemently denies all accusations against her, with her Awami League party dismissing the tape as non-indicative of unlawful conduct or disproportionate force.
The context of the protests stems from discontent over civil service job quotas favoring those with relatives who fought in the 1971 Liberation War, escalating into a major civil uprising that eventually led to Hasina's 15-year reign being overturned. The BBC's investigation revealed alarming details surrounding police brutality during the protests, particularly during a significant event on August 5, where it initially appeared that 30 people had died; the actual number was later determined to be over 52, making it one of the bloodiest episodes of civil unrest in the country’s history.
According to accounts and verified footage obtained by BBC Eye, armed police indiscriminately fired on protesters fleeing the violence after military personnel had temporarily separated them. In the aftermath, retaliatory violence saw protesters igniting the Jatrabari police station, resulting in casualties on both sides.
Eyewitness testimonies and significant evidence have emerged during the ongoing legal proceedings. A spokesperson for the Bangladesh Police has stated that investigations are underway concerning officers involved in the excessive use of force, with 60 arrests made in connection to the unrest that gripped the nation.
Sheikh Hasina is facing severe charges, including incitement and conspiracy to commit mass murder, as the international legal community and U.N. officials assert that her actions could potentially amount to crimes against humanity. Meanwhile, India has not acted on a request for Hasina’s extradition, and it remains unclear whether she will return for her trial.
Despite the mounting evidence, the Awami League stands firm in its assertion that their leaders have acted in good faith, rejecting any culpability in the violence against civilian protesters. The whole situation now looms over Bangladeshi politics as the nation prepares for upcoming elections under an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, with uncertainty surrounding Awami League's position in the electoral scenario.
