Dhaka, 12 July 2025 — The Bangladesh Awami League has issued a strong rebuttal to a recent BBC World Service documentary investigating last year’s political unrest, accusing the broadcaster of bias, misinformation, and endangering ongoing legal proceedings.
In a detailed statement released from its central office at 23 Bangabandhu Avenue, the party expressed deep sorrow over the tragic events of the previous summer but categorically denied allegations that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina or senior party leaders had ordered the use of lethal force against protesters.
“The BBC report’s imputation of guilt is unjustified but also ill-considered in its timing,” read the statement. “These matters are currently the subject of highly-politicized legal proceedings in Bangladesh. It is irresponsible of the BBC to risk prejudicing these proceedings further by airing its programme at this time.”
The party condemned the use of what it termed “flimsy” evidence in the documentary, particularly an unauthenticated audio clip alleged to feature the Prime Minister. It emphasized that nothing in the recording constituted an illegal order or misuse of power.
The Awami League defended the conduct of the security forces during the volatile protests, saying they acted in accordance with police protocols and only resorted to force in life-threatening situations. “By the time the police opened fire, Sheikh Hasina had already reportedly left the country, and the chain of command had collapsed,” the statement said, describing the police response as a “desperate act of self-preservation.”
It further accused the BBC of selective reporting, noting that the documentary failed to mention the lynching of two plainclothes officers near the Jatrabari Police Station, the deaths of 44 police personnel during the unrest, and widespread attacks on institutions including Parliament, museums, and hospitals.
The statement also criticized the documentary for overlooking ongoing violence since the government’s overthrow, particularly attacks on minorities and members of the Awami League. It reiterated the party’s call for an impartial investigation into all incidents of political violence, regardless of perpetrator affiliation.
The Awami League concluded with calls for national unity and a renewed commitment to constitutional order: “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu, Long live Bangladesh.”
