Leaked Audio Links Sheikh Hasina to Deadly Crackdown on Bangladesh Protests; Faces Crimes Against Humanity Charges

Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is under mounting international scrutiny after a leaked audio recording, allegedly of her, suggested she ordered security forces to use lethal force during last year’s student-led protests.

The BBC, which accessed the recording, reported that the Awami League chief explicitly instructed police to shoot demonstrators “wherever they find them.”

The audio, which surfaced in March, reportedly captures a conversation between Hasina and a senior government official at her official residence, Ganabhaban, on July 18, 2024. In it, Hasina is allegedly heard directing authorities to deploy “lethal weapons” to crush the protests.

Protests and Brutal Crackdown

The student-led protests in July 2024 spiraled into nationwide unrest, reportedly resulting in the deaths of over 1,400 people. Protesters were demanding electoral reforms and greater democratic freedoms, and the government’s violent response drew condemnation both domestically and abroad.

According to the United Nations, the crackdown involved mass killings, targeted violence against civilians, and systematic abuses by security forces.

International and Legal Repercussions

Hasina now faces charges of crimes against humanity, including incitement to violence, conspiracy, and failure to prevent mass atrocities. Her trial began last month at the International Criminal Tribunal in Bangladesh. The Awami League has denied the authenticity of the audio and rejected all accusations.

While Hasina remains in exile in India, 203 individuals — including former government and police officials — have been indicted in connection with the crackdown. Of those, 73 are currently in custody.

The leaked audio and ongoing legal proceedings have deepened the political crisis in Bangladesh, with human rights groups urging greater accountability and transparency. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as the tribunal advances.