Bangladesh — July 9, 2025 — A recently leaked audio recording has sent shockwaves through Bangladesh’s political landscape, purportedly showing that one former top leader personally authorized a violent crackdown against opposition protesters that resulted in several deaths and hundreds of injuries.
Audio purported to feature former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan has surfaced online and quickly spread across social media and regional news outlets. A man identified as Khan can be heard discussing directives to “clear the streets by any means necessary,” even if this results in “collateral damage”.
In 2022, during massive anti-government demonstrations in Dhaka and its surroundings, security forces clashed with opposition supporters demonstrating for free elections and protesting alleged corruption. At least 45 people died as a result of these demonstrations and rights groups accused the government of using excessive and lethal force during protests.
Although its authenticity has yet to be independently confirmed, several international media organizations are beginning forensic analysis on the audio. Voice recognition experts consulted by a Bangladeshi news agency claimed with “high confidence” that it matches previous public recordings of Khan.
Leaked audio of the raid has further escalated public anger and led to calls for justice. “This proves what many have suspected – that the violence wasn’t accidental but planned political order,” stated Taslima Rahman, director of Dhaka-based Justice Monitor.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), one of the primary organizers of protests, has called for immediate investigation and criminal prosecution of all those involved in these bloodshed events. “This shows that bloodshed was sanctioned at high levels – now is the time for international accountability to hold these individuals to account,” stated Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of BNP.
Awami League officials who had Khan serving under them have so far denied any wrongdoing and in a short statement dismissed the audio as a “fabricated attempt to destabilize the country,” and asked citizens to remain calm until appropriate authorities conduct investigations.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have taken notice of this alleged leak seriously; both organizations have called for an independent probe, while the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a statement to express her “deep concern”.
Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stated, if verified, this recording demonstrates a serious breach of international human rights standards and those responsible must be brought to justice for ordering or conducting unlawful killings.
Public protests have already broken out in Dhaka, with demonstrators demanding accountability and chanting slogans against former government officials. Security has been increased around government buildings and embassies in the capital; with riot police having been deployed as precaution against further unrest.
As political tensions heat up in Bangladesh, legal experts warn of how any leak of classified documents could have far-reaching ramifications for both its fragile democracy and regional stability.
“This is an essential moment,” noted Professor Anwar Hossain of Dhaka University. If justice is denied once again, he warned, it will further deepen divisions between people and political class.