DHAKA: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has granted permission for its investigative body to interrogate former state minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, on December 18 regarding an internet blackout that was enforced nationwide during the student-led mass uprising in July and August.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam confirmed the tribunal’s decision to allow the interrogation request, which was filed by the prosecution. The three-member tribunal, presided over by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, approved the petition to question Palak. The former minister is alleged to have been aware of the planning behind the events of the July-August period and is accused of participating in the execution of crimes, including genocide. The prosecution claims that Palak attempted to cover up the government’s actions by enforcing the internet blackout, which is why further questioning is deemed necessary.
On Novemb
er 18, the tribunal listed Palak and 12 others, including nine former ministers, as arrested in connection with a case involving killings, genocide, and crimes against humanity during the student-led uprising. The other accused individuals include Anisul Huq, Lt Col (retd) Faruk Khan, Dr Dipu Moni, Rashed Khan Menon, Hasanul Haque Inu, Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Salman F Rahman, Shajahan Khan, Kamal Ahmed Mazumder, Golam Dastagir Gazi, AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, and former home secretary Md Jahangir Alam.
The tribunal has granted a time extension requested by the prosecution, setting December 17, 2024, as the deadline for submitting the probe report in the case.