Jatrabari horror: BBC reveals police role in killing protesters during 2024 July Uprising

Highlights 

• BBC revealed police killed at least 52 protesters in Jatrabari on 5 August 2024
• Six police officers were later killed in retaliation
• Leaked audio confirms Sheikh Hasina authorised the crackdown

The BBC has uncovered damning new evidence linking Bangladesh police to the killing of protesters during the July 2024 uprising, with forensic analysis also confirming that ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina authorised the deadly crackdown in a leaked phone call.

In an investigative report published on Wednesday (9 July), the BBC Eye and BBC News Bangla uncovered fresh details surrounding one of the bloodiest incidents during the 2024 July uprising, "The Jatrabari Massacre" - where at least 52 protesters were killed in a single day, making it one of the worst cases of police violence in the country's history. 

Initial reports at the time had put the death toll in Jatrabari at 30.

The BBC investigation analysed and verified hundreds of videos, images, and documents detailing police attacks on demonstrators over 36 days of unrest. 

The investigation established that on 5 August in Jatrabari, police opened fire indiscriminately on protesters immediately after army personnel, who had been separating the police from the crowd, withdrew from the area.

For over 30 minutes, police officers fired at fleeing protesters as they tried to escape through alleys and along the highway. Eventually, the officers retreated to a nearby army camp. 

Hours later, as protesters retaliated by setting fire to the Jatrabari police station, at least six police officers were also killed.

A spokesperson for the Bangladesh Police told the BBC that 60 police officers had been arrested in connection with the violence in July and August last year.

"There were regrettable incidents in which certain members of the then police force engaged in excessive use of force," said the spokesperson. 

"Bangladesh Police has launched thorough and impartial investigations," he added. 

The BBC report also revealed that in the days leading up to 5 August, military-grade rifles were deployed and used across Dhaka. 

The decision to escalate the use of force followed widespread public outrage over police killings of protesters, many of which were caught on video and shared widely on social media.

The BBC's investigation confirmed a leaked 18 July phone call in which Sheikh Hasina reportedly authorised the use of deadly force against demonstrators. 

Play the recording 

The call was voice-matched by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Bangladesh Police with known audio of Hasina. The BBC also conducted its own forensic verification.

Alongside Sheikh Hasina, several former government and police officials have been implicated in the killings. 

A total of 203 individuals have been indicted by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), of whom 73 are currently in custody.