Hasina authorised deadly crackdown on protesters during 2024 July uprising, BBC verifies leaked audio
The audio, verified by BBC Eye, captures Hasina instructing her forces to “use lethal weapons” and to shoot protesters “wherever they find [them]”
Audio evidence has surfaced implicating former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in authorising lethal force against student-led protesters during last year's mass uprising in Bangladesh.
The audio, verified by BBC Eye, captures Hasina instructing her forces to "use lethal weapons" and to shoot protesters "wherever they find [them]."
In a report published by the BBC, the audio clip, leaked online in March, has been authenticated by both Bangladesh's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and independent forensic experts at Earshot, who found no signs of tampering or synthetic manipulation.
The recording is now being treated as crucial evidence in Hasina's ongoing trial in absentia at the International Criminal Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh, where she faces charges of crimes against humanity.
The United Nations estimates that up to 1,400 people were killed during the unrest, which spiralled into the deadliest political violence in the country since the 1971 Liberation War.
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Hasina fled to India in the wake of the protests, and both she and her Awami League party have denied any wrongdoing.
A spokesperson for the Awami League stated, "We cannot confirm whether the tape recording referenced by the BBC is authentic."
They also insisted the leaked audio does not show any "unlawful intention" or "disproportionate response."
The BBC reported that the 18 July phone call, allegedly between Hasina and a senior government official, was made from her official residence, Ganabhaban. At the time, tensions were high in Dhaka following the circulation of graphic footage showing police firing on protesters.
According to documents obtained by the BBC, military-grade weapons were deployed across the capital shortly after the call.
The audio was among several calls recorded by the National Telecommunications Monitoring Centre (NTMC), a government agency tasked with monitoring communication.
British human rights barrister Toby Cadman, who is advising the ICT, told the BBC, "The recordings are critical for establishing her role, they are clear and have been properly authenticated, and are supported by other evidence."
The uprising, which began as a protest against a civil service quota favouring descendants of 1971 war veterans, quickly escalated into a nationwide movement that ended Hasina's 15-year rule.
On 5 August, the day she fled by helicopter, protesters stormed her residence, prompting some of the bloodiest clashes of the crisis.
BBC Eye's investigation also revealed new footage and documents showing that at least 52 people were killed in a single incident in Jatrabari on 5 August, contradicting initial reports of 30 deaths. Using CCTV, drone footage, and eyewitness videos, the BBC determined that police opened fire after army personnel left the scene. Police continued to shoot fleeing protesters for over 30 minutes.
Later that day, enraged demonstrators retaliated by setting fire to the Jatrabari police station, where six police officers were reportedly killed.
A spokesperson for the Bangladesh Police told the BBC, "There were regrettable incidents in which certain members of the then police force engaged in excessive use of force. Bangladesh Police has launched thorough and impartial investigations."
The spokesperson confirmed that 60 officers had been arrested over the violence.
Hasina now faces charges including incitement, conspiracy, and failure to prevent mass killings. However, her extradition from India remains uncertain. "It is unlikely that Hasina will return to the country for the trial," Cadman said.
The Awami League continues to deny responsibility, stating, "The Awami League categorically denies and rejects claims that some of its senior leaders, including the prime minister herself, were personally responsible for or directed the use of lethal force against crowds. The decisions made by senior government officials were proportionate in nature, made in good faith and intended to minimise the loss of life."
The UN has already stated it found "reasonable grounds" to believe that Hasina and other senior leaders could be held accountable for crimes against humanity.
The Bangladesh army did not respond to the BBC's request for comment.
Following Hasina's ousting, a transitional government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus has taken charge. Preparations are underway for national elections, though it remains unclear whether the Awami League will be allowed to participate.
