Saturday, 12 July, 2025
A leaked audio recording, revealed in a report by the BBC, suggests that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina personally authorised the use of lethal force against unarmed protesters during the historic July Uprising that ultimately led to her ouster.
The BBC report, based on intelligence sources and authenticated voice analysis, alleges that the former premier gave direct instructions to security officials to “finish them at any cost” as mass demonstrations erupted across Bangladesh last year. The protests, which began as a student-led movement demanding democratic reforms and an end to authoritarian rule, quickly escalated into a nationwide uprising now known as the July Revolution.
The July Revolution, which culminated in the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, marked a turning point in Bangladesh's political history. Millions took to the streets in defiance of what they called an increasingly repressive regime, accusing the Awami League-led administration of corruption, electoral manipulation, and human rights violations. What began as peaceful civil resistance soon turned bloody as security forces opened fire on demonstrators in Dhaka, Chattogram, and other major cities.
According to local and international human rights groups, dozens of protesters were killed in the crackdown, with hundreds more injured or detained without charge. The BBC’s expose has now added weight to longstanding allegations that these actions were not the result of rogue commanders, but rather were carried out under direct orders from the highest levels of government.
In the aftermath of the uprising, Sheikh Hasina fled the country, reportedly crossing into India under tight security. Her departure marked the end of a decades-long political era, during which she held power for over 20 years, often amid accusations of authoritarianism and vote-rigging.
The newly formed transitional government, backed by a broad coalition of pro-democracy forces, has vowed to investigate the July killings and hold those responsible to account. Calls for an international tribunal have intensified following the BBC’s revelations.
The leaked audio could prove pivotal in efforts to bring justice to the victims of the July Revolution and may lead to renewed diplomatic scrutiny of Hasina’s asylum status in India.
Comments
A leaked audio recording, revealed in a report by the BBC, suggests that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina personally authorised the use of lethal force against unarmed protesters during the historic July Uprising that ultimately led to her ouster.
The BBC report, based on intelligence sources and authenticated voice analysis, alleges that the former premier gave direct instructions to security officials to “finish them at any cost” as mass demonstrations erupted across Bangladesh last year. The protests, which began as a student-led movement demanding democratic reforms and an end to authoritarian rule, quickly escalated into a nationwide uprising now known as the July Revolution.
The July Revolution, which culminated in the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, marked a turning point in Bangladesh's political history. Millions took to the streets in defiance of what they called an increasingly repressive regime, accusing the Awami League-led administration of corruption, electoral manipulation, and human rights violations. What began as peaceful civil resistance soon turned bloody as security forces opened fire on demonstrators in Dhaka, Chattogram, and other major cities.
According to local and international human rights groups, dozens of protesters were killed in the crackdown, with hundreds more injured or detained without charge. The BBC’s expose has now added weight to longstanding allegations that these actions were not the result of rogue commanders, but rather were carried out under direct orders from the highest levels of government.
In the aftermath of the uprising, Sheikh Hasina fled the country, reportedly crossing into India under tight security. Her departure marked the end of a decades-long political era, during which she held power for over 20 years, often amid accusations of authoritarianism and vote-rigging.
The newly formed transitional government, backed by a broad coalition of pro-democracy forces, has vowed to investigate the July killings and hold those responsible to account. Calls for an international tribunal have intensified following the BBC’s revelations.
The leaked audio could prove pivotal in efforts to bring justice to the victims of the July Revolution and may lead to renewed diplomatic scrutiny of Hasina’s asylum status in India.
Comments
