Audio Allegations: Accused Former PM’s Phone Calls Presented

Sixty-nine audio clips of phone conversations and Call Detail Records (CDRs) from three mobile numbers belonging to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have been seized in a case concerning crimes against humanity. Among these, four calls were played at the International Crimes Tribunal-1 on September 24, Wednesday, during the testimony of the 53rd witness, and were broadcast live.

The four calls involved conversations with former Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation and relative Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, two calls with Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President Hasanul Haq Inu, and one with former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University A.S.M. Maksud Kamal.

The 53rd witness, Special Investigation Officer and Prosecutor Tanvir Hasan Zoha, testified in court regarding the evidence.

During his testimony, Tanvir Hasan Zoha said, “During the investigation, I began collecting various evidence, including audio clips, video footage, CDRs, IPDRs, and CCTV footage, from BTRC, NTMC, DMP, and other relevant departments, in accordance with digital forensic procedures. In line with this, on December 23 last year, under the supervision of NTMC Assistant Engineer and Trainer Sadi Mohammad Rifat, I seized 69 audio clips of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s phone conversations and CDRs from three mobile numbers, as per the proper procedure.”

He added, “The collected audio clips were reviewed starting December 24, 2024. During the review, a call between Sheikh Hasina and Fazle Noor Taposh was identified. A DVD containing their verified voices was sent to the forensic branch of CID in Dhaka for examination. The call begins with a conversation between the caller and another individual, and concludes with the voice of a different male speaker.”

Tanvir Zoha further stated, “On January 16, CID Forensic Department Inspector Rukunuzzaman confirmed that the voices in the clip belonged to Sheikh Hasina and Fazle Noor Taposh. I then handed over the opinion to the head coordinator of the investigative agency.”

Regarding the audio with former Dhaka University VC, Tanvir Zoha said, “Upon review, I identified the phone conversation between Sheikh Hasina and then VC A.S.M. Maksud Kamal, and stored it on a CD, which I submitted to the head coordinator of the investigative agency. A copy, along with verified voices, was sent to the forensic lab at CID Dhaka. SI Shahed Zubayer Lawrence confirmed that the call involved Sheikh Hasina and VC A.S.M. Maksud Kamal, and I relayed the report and opinion to the agency’s chief coordinator.”

On the audio with JSD President Hasanul Haq Inu, he said, “While reviewing the materials, three phone calls between Hasanul Haq Inu and Sheikh Hasina were identified, stored on a DVD, and submitted to the investigative agency’s chief coordinator. SI Shahed Zubayer Lawrence verified the voices as belonging to Hasanul Haq Inu and Sheikh Hasina.”

Tanvir Zoha alleged, “Upon review, it was observed that in July–August 2024, Sheikh Hasina directed the suppression of anti-discrimination student movements, ordering the use of firearms via LEPON, locating protestors by drone, bombing from helicopters, shutting down internet services, and marking participants as collaborators to be executed. They even referred to England as an example for quelling the student movement. The five audio recordings containing these conversations, compiled into three CDs, have been submitted to the tribunal.”

During the proceedings, Sheikh Hasina’s state-appointed lawyer Amir Hossain cross-examined Tanvir Zoha. In this case, the other two accused are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Police Inspector General Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.

The investigation was initially conducted by Deputy Director of the investigative agency Md. Jane Alam Khan, followed by Deputy Director Md. Alomgir, with overall coordination by Special Investigation Officer Tanvir Hasan Zoha. Investigation reports were submitted on May 12, with supplementary charges filed on May 31 and formal charges presented on June 1.

On July 10, the tribunal issued a formal order of charges and approved former IGP Mamun’s application to serve as an “Approver” (state witness).