Summary
Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina allegedly ordered security forces to use lethal force against student protesters, according to phone recordings accessed by Al Jazeera. Hasina resigned and fled to India after protests resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,400 people and injuries to over 20,000. The International Criminal Tribunal has charged Hasina and others with crimes against humanity, and a trial is set to begin.
Key Facts
- Secret phone recordings reportedly show Sheikh Hasina ordered police to use deadly force on student protesters.
- The protests began over an unpopular job quota system that students felt was unfair.
- Nearly 1,400 people died, and over 20,000 were injured during these protests.
- Sheikh Hasina resigned and left Bangladesh for India amid the unrest.
- The International Criminal Tribunal has indicted Hasina and others on charges of crimes against humanity.
- The recordings were verified by audio experts to ensure they were not manipulated.
- Hasina reportedly knew her calls were being recorded, as suggested by interactions in the recordings.
- The protests intensified after the police shooting of a student protester in the city of Rangpur.
