The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 today fixed February 25 to begin recording witness testimonies in the internet shutdown case against former ICT affairs adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy and ex-state minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, who are accused of facilitating crimes against humanity.
The first tribunal, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, passed the order after Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam placed the prosecution’s opening statement before the court.
Earlier, on January 21, the tribunal framed charges against the duo and had set February 18 for submission of the prosecution’s opening statement and the start of witness depositions. On January 15, both the prosecution and defence concluded their hearings on charge framing.
Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam appeared for the prosecution, while advocate Liton Ahmed represented accused Zunaid Ahmed Palak. Advocate Manjur Alam defended fugitive accused Sajeeb Wazed Joy.
On December 4, the tribunal issued an arrest warrant against Joy after taking cognisance of the formal charges brought against him and Palak.
According to the formal charge, the accused allegedly shut down internet services across the country during the July Uprising, thereby facilitating the commission of crimes against humanity.
The prosecution alleged that Palak, while serving as state minister for the ICT Division, posted a status on his verified Facebook account after receiving approval from Joy, which allegedly instigated widespread attacks on agitating students and the public by police and Chhatra League activists.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam told the tribunal that, acting on Joy’s instructions, Palak first reduced mobile internet speed and later imposed a complete shutdown to create an environment conducive to the detention, torture and killing of protesters.
He further said Palak made misleading statements regarding the internet disruption and subsequently blocked social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook and TikTok, to prevent information about the alleged atrocities from reaching the outside world.
“The conspiracy to block the internet originated from Sajeeb Wazed Joy. He made the decision after consulting his mother, Sheikh Hasina, and Palak implemented it,” the prosecution added.
The tribunal’s investigation agency submitted its probe report against the accused on December 3, 2025.
Comment :