Former State Minister Palak Injured in Prison Van Accident

Former State Minister for ICT, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, was injured Tuesday morning after a prison van carrying him to court met with an accident.

The incident occurred as the vehicle was traveling from Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). Preliminary reports suggest the van lost control due to a mechanical failure, resulting in injuries to Palak and several others on board.

Palak was scheduled to appear before the tribunal today in connection with a case involving crimes against humanity during the July-August student uprising. Authorities have moved the injured for medical treatment under heavy security.

Testimony is currently being heard at the International Crimes Tribunal-1 against Palak and Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. While Joy remains absconding, Palak is in custody facing charges of repression against students and the public. An investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.