During a case related to crimes against humanity, a phone conversation between former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor ASM Maksud Kamal was presented in the International Crimes Tribunal. The recording suggests Hasina expressed intentions to punish quota reform protesters severely, comparing them to “rajakars” (war collaborators) and stating they should face the same fate—execution.
Phone Call Submitted as Evidence
On Monday, 11 August, Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam presented an audio transcript in the International Crimes Tribunal. The phone call between Sheikh Hasina and ASM Maksud Kamal took place on 14 July last year.
The transcript was linked to the case about the killing of six people in Chankharpul, Dhaka, during the mass uprising. The prosecution submitted the recording as evidence.
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Hasina’s Harsh Words About Protesters
In the phone conversation, Maksud Kamal informed Hasina about the protest situation:
“প্রত্যেক হল থেকে তো ছেলেমেয়েরা তালা ভেঙে বের হয়ে গেছে…যেকোনো মুহূর্তে আমার বাসাও অ্যাটাক করতে পারে।”
Translation:
“From every hall, the students have broken the locks and come out… at any moment, they might attack my house.”
Hasina responded:
“রাজাকারের তো ফাঁসি দিছি, এবার তোদেরও তাই করব। একটাও ছাড়ব না, আমি বলে দিছি।”
Translation:
“We have executed the razakars before; this time we will do the same to you. I will not spare a single one, I’m telling you.”
She further compared the protesters to wartime collaborators, calling them “rajakars” and saying law enforcement had been told to remain on high alert.
Security Measures Discussed
Maksud Kamal requested more security on campus and at his residence. Hasina assured him that Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), RAB, and police forces were deployed in full strength.
“ক্যাম্পাসের…ব্যবস্থা করছি…তোমার বাসার ভেতরে লোক রাখতে বলছি।”
Translation:
“I am arranging security for the campus… I am telling them to keep people inside your house.”
Plans for Arrest and Expulsion
Both Hasina and Maksud Kamal discussed taking tough action against protesters after the unrest.
“সব এইগুলাকে বাইর করে দিতে হবে…অ্যারেস্ট করবে, ধরে নেবে এবং যা অ্যাকশন নেওয়ার নেবে।”
Translation:
“All of them must be expelled… they will be arrested, taken away, and whatever action needs to be taken will be done.”
Maksud Kamal agreed and added that once the situation calmed, he would personally ensure that those responsible for “creating instability” would be expelled from the university.
Criticism of Protest Demands
Hasina expressed anger over the protesters giving a 24-hour ultimatum to the President, calling it extreme disrespect.
“রাষ্ট্রপতিকে ২৪ ঘণ্টার আলটিমেটাম দিচ্ছে…বেয়াদবির একটা সীমা থাকে…!”
Translation:
“They are giving the President a 24-hour ultimatum… there is a limit to insolence!”
Source: TBS
