Testimony in the crimes against humanity case against former prime minister’s ICT adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy and former State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak was deferred on Thursday after the prosecution failed to produce witnesses before the court.
The International Crimes Tribunal-1 fixed June 15 for recording testimony in the case. Palak’s lawyer Liton Ahmed confirmed the matter to TIMES of Bangladesh.
Earlier, on 18 February, the prosecution presented its opening statement before the tribunal. In the statement, the prosecution described Joy and Palak as among the masterminds of the July massacre.
On 21 January, the tribunal framed charges against the two accused, formally opening the trial proceedings.
According to the prosecution, instructions to shut down internet services during the mass uprising came from Sajeeb Wazed Joy and were implemented by Zunaid Ahmed Palak. The prosecution argues that these actions constitute crimes against humanity.
The defence denied the allegations. Palak’s lawyer told the tribunal that Palak did not order the internet shutdown and that such directives came from the Ministry of Home Affairs. He also said efforts were made to resolve the situation through discussions to prevent untoward incidents and curb rumours.
Joy remains absconding in the case. Zunaid Ahmed Palak is currently in custody and was produced before the tribunal from prison for the hearing. Responding to the charges, he claimed innocence.
On 4 December, the International Crimes Tribunal took cognisance of the charges against Joy and Palak. On the same day, it issued an arrest warrant for Joy and showed Palak arrested in connection with alleged crimes against humanity during the July mass uprising.
The tribunal has brought three charges against the two accused.
