A leaked audio recording verified by BBC Eye suggests that Bangladesh`s then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina personally authorised the use of deadly force during student-led protests in July last year.
In the recording, authenticated through forensic analysis, Sheikh Hasina is reportedly heard instructing security forces to use lethal weapons and to "shoot wherever you find them," referring to the protesters.
The audio captures a phone conversation between Sheikh Hasina and an unnamed senior government official on 18 July, conducted from her official residence, Ganabhaban.
The leaked clip is considered one of the most compelling pieces of evidence indicating the former Prime Minister`s direct approval for a violent crackdown on anti-government demonstrators.
Since the protests, numerous clips of her alleged phone conversations have circulated online, though most remain unverified. The source of this particular leak, which emerged in early March, remains unknown.
Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department has reportedly confirmed that the voice in the audio matches that of Sheikh Hasina.
Their experts found no signs of editing or manipulation and ruled out the likelihood of the audio being artificially generated.
The forensic team detected Electric Network Frequency (ENF) traces — a technical signature indicating that the recording is genuine and not tampered with.
They also identified consistent telephone frequency patterns and background noise that suggest the recording was made in a room where the call was played on speakerphone.
Further analysis by Earshot covered voice rhythm, breathing sounds, and background noise continuity, confirming the audio’s authenticity.
Speaking to the BBC, British international human rights lawyer Toby Cadman, who advises Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, said the recordings are critical in proving Sheikh Hasina’s involvement. “These recordings are highly probative,” he said. “They are clear, well-authenticated, and corroborated by other evidence.”
The Awami League has responded by saying it cannot verify the authenticity of the recording. A party spokesperson told the BBC that the audio does not show any “illegal intent or clearly incriminating reaction.”
As of now, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has charged 203 individuals, with 73 in custody. National courts are also investigating the actions of law enforcement agencies during the protests.
