‘I've obtained a licence to kill 227 people’: ICT confirms it was Hasina’s voice in leaked audio

The voice in a recently circulated audio clip on social media — claiming to have received a "licence to kill 227 people" — has been confirmed to be that of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina through forensic analysis, according to the International Crimes Tribunal's investigation agency.

Chief Prosecutor of the Tribunal Tajul Islam briefed journalists about the finding today (30 April), saying that based on the content of the audio, a contempt of court petition has been filed with the tribunal against Hasina, accusing her of interfering in the judicial process and issuing threats to the tribunal.

The leaked audio went viral on social media some time at the end of last year.

"In the leaked audio, a voice is heard saying, '227 cases have been filed against me, so I've obtained a licence to kill 227 people.' The investigation agency conducted forensic tests and confirmed the voice belongs to Sheikh Hasina," said Tajul Islam.

On the same day, the tribunal issued several other orders, including arrest warrants for eight individuals accused of committing crimes against humanity during July uprising in Narayanganj last year.

The tribunal, led by its Chairman Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order following a petition from the prosecution.

ICT Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam, at a press briefing, stated that the accused were involved in brutal attacks on civilians amid widespread protests in Narayanganj.

"Heinous crimes, including killings, were committed during the unrest. Notorious political figure Shamim Osman and his close associates played a direct role in these atrocities," Tajul said.

According to the prosecution, the accused were affiliated with the ruling Awami League and its youth wing, the Jubo League and were armed at the time of the violence.

"All eight individuals with arrest warrants were involved in the killings during the mass uprising," said Tajul, adding that Shamim Osman already had an arrest warrant on the related charges.

Due to operational security concerns, the names of the newly accused individuals have not been disclosed.

Additionally, the tribunal ordered two police officers to appear before it in a separate case involving shooting and burning a man in Ashulia.