Bangladesh's former prime minister Sheikh Hasina ordered her security forces to kill student protesters last summer. The BBC verified secret audio recordings that caught her telling officials to use deadly weapons against demonstrators. She commanded her forces to shoot protesters wherever they found them during the massive uprising. Up to 1,400 people died during the violent crackdown that lasted for weeks. Hasina fled to India when crowds stormed her palace after 15 years of her rule.
The leaked phone call happened during the worst violence Bangladesh had seen since 1971. Audio experts confirmed the recording was real and had not been faked or changed. Police used military rifles against protesters after Hasina gave her deadly orders. The bloodiest day came when she escaped the country as angry crowds took over her home. At least 52 people were killed during one police massacre in a busy Dhaka neighborhood.
Prosecutors plan to use the secret recording as key evidence against Hasina. She faces charges for crimes against humanity at a special court. The former leader is being tried even though she remains in India. Her political party denies she did anything wrong and claims the force was justified. India refuses to send her back to face the charges.
The student protests started over unfair job rules but turned into a massive movement. Protesters wanted to remove Hasina from power after years of harsh rule. Bangladesh now has a temporary government led by Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. The country prepares for new elections but nobody knows if Hasina's party can participate.
The leaked phone call happened during the worst violence Bangladesh had seen since 1971. Audio experts confirmed the recording was real and had not been faked or changed. Police used military rifles against protesters after Hasina gave her deadly orders. The bloodiest day came when she escaped the country as angry crowds took over her home. At least 52 people were killed during one police massacre in a busy Dhaka neighborhood.
Prosecutors plan to use the secret recording as key evidence against Hasina. She faces charges for crimes against humanity at a special court. The former leader is being tried even though she remains in India. Her political party denies she did anything wrong and claims the force was justified. India refuses to send her back to face the charges.
The student protests started over unfair job rules but turned into a massive movement. Protesters wanted to remove Hasina from power after years of harsh rule. Bangladesh now has a temporary government led by Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. The country prepares for new elections but nobody knows if Hasina's party can participate.
