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