A leaked audio recording, verified by BBC Eye, has revealed that former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directly authorised security forces to use lethal force against student-led protesters during last year’s mass uprising that ultimately led to the fall of her government.

According to the BBC’s investigative unit, BBC Eye, the audio—leaked online in March—captures Hasina instructing an unnamed senior government official to shoot protesters wherever they are found. “Use lethal weapons,” she is heard saying. The BBC independently verified the recording with the help of audio forensic experts, confirming the voice as Hasina’s and ruling out any manipulation or synthetic alteration.

This is the strongest evidence yet that the former leader personally sanctioned the deadly crackdown that, according to UN investigators, killed up to 1,400 people and injured thousands more during the unprecedented 36-day protest movement.

Prosecutors to Use Audio as Evidence

The leaked call, dated July 18, 2024, is now being treated as critical evidence by prosecutors at Bangladesh’s International Criminal Tribunal (ICT), where Sheikh Hasina is being tried in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity. She is accused of ordering mass killings, inciting violence, and failing to prevent atrocities committed by state forces.

Hasina, who fled to India in early August 2024, has denied all charges. A spokesperson for her Awami League party dismissed the BBC’s findings, stating: “We cannot confirm whether the tape recording referenced by the BBC is authentic,” and maintained that any decisions made at the time were “proportionate” and intended to “minimise the loss of life.”

Escalation of Violence and Massacre in Jatrabari

The BBC report also revealed new, disturbing details about the Jatrabari massacre on August 5, 2024—one of the bloodiest episodes of the protest. While earlier reports suggested around 30 deaths, BBC Eye’s analysis found at least 52 protesters were killed when police opened indiscriminate fire in the area shortly after the military withdrew.

Using CCTV footage, drone imagery, and eyewitness videos, the BBC established that the firing continued for over 30 minutes as protesters fled through alleyways and highways. Six police officers were later killed when protesters retaliated and torched the Jatrabari police station the following day.

BBC’s Verification and Forensic Analysis

BBC Eye worked with Earshot, a UK-based audio forensics firm, which found no evidence of tampering or artificial generation of the audio. They verified the presence of consistent electric network frequencies (ENF) and natural speech patterns, confirming its authenticity. Bangladesh’s own Criminal Investigation Department (CID) also matched the voice with other known recordings of Hasina.

The leaked call was reportedly recorded by Bangladesh’s National Telecommunications Monitoring Centre (NTMC), though the identity of the individual who leaked it remains unknown.

Reactions and Ongoing Trial

British international human rights barrister Toby Cadman, 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.”

So far, 203 individuals, including former ministers, police chiefs, and civil servants, have been indicted over the killings. Of them, 73 are currently in custody, while the rest are either fugitives or facing trial in absentia.

The Bangladesh Police acknowledged to the BBC that 60 officers had been arrested for their roles in the violence. A spokesperson said, “There were regrettable incidents in which certain members of the then police force engaged in excessive use of force,” adding that internal investigations are ongoing.

India Silent on Extradition Request

Despite a formal request from the current Bangladeshi government, India has not yet responded regarding Hasina’s extradition. Experts believe it is unlikely she will return voluntarily to face trial.

Since the uprising, Bangladesh has been under a transitional government headed by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who has pledged accountability and institutional reform. National elections are scheduled later this year, though it remains unclear whether the Awami League will be allowed to participate.

The BBC's full investigation, including audio excerpts and forensic evidence, is available on the BBC Eye platform and their YouTube channel for viewers outside the UK.

MN/SMS