An audio recording allegedly capturing former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman instructing police officers to shoot protesters during the July 18, 2024 mass uprising has been submitted as evidence to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).
The prosecution presented the audio clip and its written transcript to the court today, as part of ongoing proceedings in a crimes against humanity case against Habibur and seven others, court sources confirmed.
According to prosecutors, the case relates to the killing of six people in the Chankharpul area of Dhaka during the height of the uprising. The clip was first referenced yesterday by the ICT’s chief prosecutor during his opening statement, where he alleged that the former police chief directly authorised the use of live fire on demonstrators.
In the wireless message, Habibur is heard telling officers:
“All our officers, wherever you are on duty, you can exercise your full power to protect our own lives and property, protect the offices and courts, and protect the lives and property of the people. I have repeatedly told, ordered, and given you the freedom to act according to the situation… You will take a kneeling position and shoot below the waist to control the situation. Over.”
The ICT is expected to review the recording in detail as part of the evidentiary hearings, with prosecutors arguing it directly implicates Habibur in the deadly crackdown.
