DHAKA – A leaked phone recording has surfaced implicating former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in last year’s deadly crackdown on student-led protests, with newly verified audio suggesting she personally authorized the use of lethal force.
The phone call, authenticated by audio forensic experts and matched with known samples of Hasina’s voice, captures the former premier ordering security forces to shoot protesters “wherever they find them.” The statement is now central evidence in a crimes against humanity case currently underway at Bangladesh’s International Criminal Tribunal.
In the audio, reportedly recorded on July 18, 2024, Hasina is heard directing an unidentified senior official to escalate the response to mounting protests that began over government job quotas and expanded into a mass uprising. Just weeks later, her 15-year rule came to an abrupt end.
The protests marked by widespread unrest, viral images of police beatings, and use of military rifles in civilian areas led to the deaths of up to 1,400 people, according to United Nations investigators.
Hasina fled to India on August 5, the same day demonstrators stormed her official residence in Dhaka. She now faces multiple charges including incitement, conspiracy, and failure to prevent mass murder. India has yet to act on an extradition request.
The media independently verified the leaked audio using forensic audio analysts from Earshot. The firm concluded that the clip had not been manipulated and was consistent with live playback of a phone call in a room, based on detectable electric network frequency (ENF) signals and natural voice patterns. The Bangladesh Police’s Criminal Investigation Department had earlier reached a similar conclusion.
“This recording is critical,” said international legal adviser Toby Cadman. “It provides direct evidence linking Hasina to the orders that led to mass killings.”
The conversation took place as nationwide outrage mounted over footage of security forces assaulting protesters. Within days of the recording, police armed with military-grade rifles began patrolling Dhaka streets. Media investigators reviewed police files confirming deployment and use of live ammunition shortly afterward.
On August 5, in Dhaka’s Jatrabari neighborhood, police opened fire after army personnel withdrew from the protest perimeter. Protesters were shot as they tried to flee. At least 52 were killed in that incident alone significantly more than the initial count of 30. The police later retreated into a nearby army facility. Hours later, demonstrators set fire to the Jatrabari police station, killing six officers.
A Bangladesh Police spokesperson confirmed the arrest of 60 officers in connection with excessive force during the July–August protests. “There were regrettable incidents involving disproportionate use of force,” the spokesperson said. “Internal investigations are ongoing.”
The Awami League party, which Hasina once led, disputes the allegations. A spokesperson said the voice recording had not been independently confirmed and dismissed suggestions that Hasina gave illegal orders. “The decisions made were lawful, measured, and aimed at restoring public order,” the spokesperson said.
The same party has rejected the findings of UN investigators, who concluded there were “reasonable grounds” to believe the crackdown amounted to crimes against humanity.
The National Telecommunications Monitoring Centre (NTMC), Bangladesh’s official surveillance agency, is believed to have recorded the call. How the clip was leaked remains unclear. It surfaced online in March 2025.
Since Hasina’s fall, an interim government headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has led the country. National elections are being planned, but it remains uncertain whether the Awami League will be allowed to contest.
Hasina’s trial, which began last month in absentia, has drawn global attention. While she remains in exile, 203 individuals including former senior government and police officials have been indicted. Of these, 73 are in custody.
Despite ongoing tensions, many in Bangladesh hope the tribunal will bring clarity and justice after the deadliest political violence in the country since its 1971 independence war.
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