Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Mohammad Tajul Islam has claimed that the leaked phone conversation involving the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina is “just a trailer”, adding that “much more is yet to come”.
He made the remark in a Facebook post on Wednesday, after the BBC released a report verifying an audio clip where Hasina is purportedly heard instructing a deadly crackdown on protesters during the July uprising.
“This call record was not obtained by the BBC, but by a special investigation officer of the tribunal,” Tajul wrote in the post. “See for yourself. Much remains. Stay tuned.”
The recording is being considered key evidence by prosecutors in a case filed against Sheikh Hasina at the ICT. According to officials, if charges are framed, the audio will be presented during the trial as evidence of crimes against humanity.
BBC Eye and BBC Bangla on Wednesday published an investigative report on the July uprising, alleging that Hasina authorised the use of lethal force against protesters. The report, based on a verified phone call, claims security forces were told to shoot on sight.
Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim, another ICT prosecutor, told several media outlets that Hasina ordered the use of lethal weapons, drones, and even helicopter attacks to suppress the movement.
He further alleged that Hasina directed her party men to destroy key state facilities so that blame could be shifted onto student demonstrators.
“This recording has been verified by relevant authorities and confirmed as genuine,” said Tamim. “We have submitted it to the tribunal. If charges are framed, we will formally request the tribunal to accept it as evidence.”
Referring to Section 19(3) of the ICT Act, Tamim said the tribunal may accept reports from international organisations, NGOs, or state agencies as evidence under judicial notice and common knowledge.
The tribunal is scheduled to deliver its order on Thursday on whether to formally frame charges against Hasina and two others — former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Among them, Mamun has been arrested and is in custody, while Hasina and Kamal have been declared fugitives.
The case includes five counts of crimes against humanity, including use of drones, helicopters, and lethal weapons to target protesters. It has gained attention as a “superior command responsibility” case.
LND/SAE
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