A secretly recorded phone call from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been leaked, revealing that during last year’s student-led mass protests, she instructed security forces to use lethal force. The phone call, made from her official residence Ganabhaban on 18 July 2024, includes Hasina ordering that protesters be shot wherever they are found.
The recording, first leaked online in March this year, was verified by the BBC’s investigative team BBC Eye. Forensic audio firm Earshot has confirmed the recording is authentic and shows no signs of being edited. The audio has now become a key piece of evidence in the ongoing international war crimes trial against Hasina.
In the leaked phone call, Hasina is heard saying,
“প্রাণঘাতী অস্ত্র ব্যবহার করো… যেখানেই তাদের পাবেন, গুলি করবেন।”
“Use lethal weapons… Wherever you find them, shoot them.”
This statement came during a crucial point in the nationwide protests, which began in July last year over quota reform and quickly grew into a mass movement. According to UN investigators, over 1,400 people died during the protests, making it one of the deadliest chapters in Bangladesh’s history since the Liberation War in 1971.
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Verified and Used as Key Evidence
Audio forensic experts say the call was likely recorded in a room where the phone call was played on speaker. Specific sound frequencies and background noise patterns confirm the recording is original. Earshot also analysed her voice, breath, tone, and phrasing and found no artificial elements in the recording.
British human rights lawyer Toby Cadman told the BBC,
“These recordings are vital in proving her role. They are clear, independently verified, and backed by other evidence.”
Cadman is also advising the International Crimes Tribunal currently prosecuting Hasina and others.
Protests Turned Deadly—Hasina Fled by Helicopter
The movement, which started over student demands, quickly turned into a national uprising. On 5 August, during the bloodiest day of the protests, angry demonstrators stormed Ganabhaban. Hasina fled the residence moments before, escaping by helicopter.
BBC investigations revealed that 52 people were shot dead in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area on that day alone. Initial reports had claimed only 30 deaths. Verified videos, mobile footage, drone views, and CCTV recordings confirmed that the military pulled back before police began shooting fleeing protesters. The gunfire continued for over 30 minutes. Hours later, protesters set fire to a police station, killing six officers in retaliation.
Other Phone Calls Also Leaked
Several other phone calls made by Hasina have surfaced online since the protests, though not all have been verified. The National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC), a government body, had recorded these calls.
CID confirmed the 18 July audio matches Hasina’s voice. BBC also independently matched the voice in the call. Earshot reported that interference patterns in the background indicate no tampering or artificial generation.
Political and Legal Response
Awami League spokespersons claim the leaked call does not show any “illegal intent” or “excessive reaction.” One official anonymously stated:
“বিবিসি যে রেকর্ডিংয়ের কথা বলছে, তা আমরা সত্যতা যাচাই করতে পারছি না।”
“We cannot verify the authenticity of the recording BBC is referring to.”
Despite these denials, the leaked audio is being considered one of the most significant pieces of evidence linking Hasina to violent state action against protesters. So far, 203 people have been charged in the war crimes tribunal, including several top former government and police officials. Seventy-three are currently in jail.
The Bangladesh Police told the BBC that 60 police officers have been arrested for their roles in last year’s violence. They admitted that in some cases, officers used “excessive force.” A police spokesperson said,
“বাংলাদেশ পুলিশ এই সব বিষয়ে নিরপেক্ষ ও গভীর তদন্ত করছে।”
“Bangladesh Police is conducting a neutral and in-depth investigation into all these matters.”
The Awami League firmly denies that Hasina or any top leaders gave direct orders for violence. The army has not responded to BBC’s request for comment.
Source: Daily Campus
