ICT to Rule on Framing Charges Against Joy and Palak Today

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is scheduled to deliver a crucial order today, Wednesday (January 21), on whether to frame charges against Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Zunaid Ahmed Palak. The two are accused of crimes against humanity during the July 2024 mass uprising.

A three-member judicial panel, led by Tribunal-1 Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, will preside over the proceedings. This follows a hearing concluded on January 15, where both the prosecution and defense presented their final arguments.

The prosecution has leveled three primary charges against Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the former State Minister for ICT:

On Joy’s directives, Palak allegedly used social media on July 14, 2024, to incite attacks. This resulted in violent clashes at Dhaka University and other locations the following day.

The duo is accused of orchestrating a nationwide internet shutdown to facilitate and hide the use of deadly force against protesters.

The prosecution links these actions to the deaths of dozens of protesters, specifically citing 28 deaths in one instance and 34 in another (Uttara), including victims Russell and Mosleh Uddin.

While Zunaid Ahmed Palak is currently in custody and will appear in court today, Sajeeb Wazed Joy remains at large. On December 10, the tribunal ordered Joy to surrender and directed that a formal notice be published in national dailies.

During the hearings, defense lawyers for both Joy and Palak denied any involvement, claiming the accusations are baseless and requesting their clients be acquitted.