Audio clip of ex-DMP commissioner Habibur ordering police to shoot protesters submitted to ICT

An audio recording said to be capturing former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman instructing police officers to shoot protesters on 18 July last year during the mass uprising has been submitted as evidence to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). 

The prosecution presented the clip today (12 August), along with a written transcript of the audio, amid ongoing proceedings in a crimes against humanity case against Habibur and seven others, according to court sources.

The audio recording was highlighted during the opening statement by the ICT chief prosecutor yesterday in the case filed over the killing of six people in the Chankharpul area of the capital during the uprising.

In the wireless audio message, Habibur said, "All our officers, wherever you are on duty, you can exercise your full power to protect our own lives and property, protect the offices and courts, and protect the lives and property of the people. 

"I have repeatedly told, ordered, and given you the freedom to act according to the situation… You will take a kneeling position and shoot below the waist to control the situation. Over."