International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has identified Sajeeb Wazed Joy, ICT Adviser to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina; and Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the former State Minister for ICT, as key “masterminds” behind the July massacre.
Speaking at a press briefing on the tribunal premises on Wednesday, the chief prosecutor stated that both Joy and Palak held primary responsibility for the ICT Ministry and provided “all-out cooperation” in the commission of the genocide.
He alleged that the duo shut down the internet during the mass uprising in a deliberate attempt to conceal the news of the killings from the global community.
The statements were made following the opening remarks presented by the Chief Prosecutor in the case involving crimes against humanity against Joy and Palak at International Crimes Tribunal-1. The tribunal has fixed 25 February as the date for recording witness testimonies.
According to the prosecution’s allegations, the order to suspend internet services originated from Sajeeb Wazed Joy and was subsequently implemented by Zunaid Ahmed Palak. The prosecution maintains that these actions fall under the category of crimes against humanity.
Furthermore, the Chief Prosecutor claimed that Palak had consulted and conspired with Salman F Rahman, another adviser to the former prime minister, regarding the facilitation of the genocide.
Formal charges in the case were framed against the two accused on 21 January. While Sajeeb Wazed Joy remains a fugitive, Zunaid Ahmed Palak is currently in custody and was produced before the tribunal for the hearing.
Palak, however, pleaded not guilty in response to the charges framed against him.
Previously, on 4 December, the ICT took charges against the duo into cognizance. On that day, the tribunal issued an arrest warrant for Joy, while Palak was shown arrested in connection with the crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising.
