Dhaka, Aug. 11 -- A year after her dramatic removal from power, deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is facing trial in absentia for crimes against humanity, as intelligence reports allege she is orchestrating violent schemes from exile in Delhi to destabilise Bangladesh ahead of upcoming national elections. Hasina, 77, stands accused of ordering massacres during last year's student-led uprising, which resulted in over 1,000 deaths.

The trial's first week concluded on Friday following testimony from five witnesses. If convicted, she could face the death penalty.

Leaked and independently verified phone recordings reportedly capture Hasina instructing security forces to "use lethal weapons" against protesters, though her aides insist thes...