A leaked phone conversation has revealed that former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina allegedly ordered security forces to use lethal force against student-led protesters during mass demonstrations in July and August 2024, resulting in over 1,000 deaths. The audio, verified by independent investigators, captures Hasina instructing police to shoot protesters on sight, a directive that prosecutors intend to use in legal proceedings against her. The protests, initially sparked by opposition to a controversial quota system for government jobs, escalated into widespread unrest, leading to Hasina’s resignation on August 5, 2024, and her subsequent flight to India.
The recordings have sparked outrage on platforms like X, where users have condemned Hasina’s actions, with some calling for her extradition to face justice in Bangladesh. Human rights groups report that the crackdown disproportionately targeted young activists, with documented cases of torture and extrajudicial killings. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus since August 8, 2024, has pledged to investigate the violence and ensure accountability. Official figures state that 1,036 people were killed, though local estimates suggest the toll may be higher due to underreporting. The audio evidence has intensified demands for a thorough probe into the state’s response to the protests, which also injured thousands and led to mass arrests.
Hasina’s Awami League has denied the allegations, claiming the audio is manipulated to defame her leadership. However, public sentiment, as seen on social media, reflects growing distrust, with many Bangladeshis viewing the revelations as confirmation of systemic abuses during her 15-year tenure. The case has drawn international attention, raising questions about accountability for state-sponsored violence in South Asia.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 9th, 2025
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