The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Wednesday heard damning evidence implicating ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina in crimes against humanity during the 2024 mass uprising, including orders to deploy paratroopers to bomb and shoot demonstrators.
The tribunal broadcast four phone calls between Hasina and key officials — part of 69 audio clips and call data records obtained during the probe — on its website and Bangladesh Television.
Hasina, who fled after resigning amid the uprising, is being tried in absentia alongside former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, now testifying as a state witness, is also an accused.
The ICT-1 bench, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, recorded testimony from prosecutor and special investigation officer Tanvir Hassan Zoha as the 53rd witness. He was cross-examined by defence counsel Advocate Amir Hossain. Earlier, ICT records officer Anisur Rahman testified as the 52nd witness. The hearing was adjourned until Sept 28, when investigation officer Md Alamgir Mia is due to testify as the final witness, prosecutor Gazi Monwar Hossain Tamim confirmed.
Audio Reveals Crackdown Orders
The recordings detailed Hasina’s instructions to crush protests: use of lethal weapons, mass arrests, branding demonstrators as “Razakars,” drone surveillance, arson attacks, internet shutdowns, and propaganda labeling protesters as militants.
In one clip, Hasina said: “Wherever you find them, shoot straight… I have issued an open order.” Another call captured her telling then-Dhaka South mayor Sheikh Fazle Nur Taposh about drone surveillance, instructing RAB and other forces to arrest protesters at night.
Prosecutor Mizanul Islam said Hasina even ordered arson: “She said, ‘I told them to burn one thing, burn everything. They burned the Setu Bhaban.’”
Evidence Collection
Zoha told the tribunal he collected extensive evidence from BTRC, NTMC, DMP and other agencies, including audio clips, call data, IP tracing and CCTV footage. He confirmed Hasina’s 69 conversations were verified by CID and related agencies. Earlier, CID forensic experts testified that voice-matching confirmed Hasina’s identity in the recordings.
A UN report cited in court said over 1,400 people were killed during the 2024 crackdown, the deadliest in Bangladesh’s history.
The trial continues as one of the most significant crimes against humanity cases since the Liberation War tribunals.
