Palak Shown Arrested in Russel Gazi Murder Case Amid July Uprising

A Dhaka court has granted a petition to show former State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak and former Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu as arrested in a case involving the murder of Russel Gazi during the July uprising. The petition was granted on Thursday, 24 July, by Senior Judicial Magistrate Tajul Islam Sohag.

On the same day, Sub-Inspector Md. Anwar Hossain of Ashulia Police Station, the investigating officer of the case, presented Palak before the court and requested to show him arrested in connection with the murder that occurred in the Ashulia area under Dhaka district. After a hearing, the magistrate approved the request.

Before the hearing began, Palak briefly spoke with his lawyer Farzana Yasmin Rakhi. When asked whether he needed anything in jail, especially books, Palak replied, “I’ve been regularly reciting the Quran in prison. I’ve completed one full recitation.” A back support belt was seen around his waist, prompting a query from his lawyer regarding his health. Palak replied, “I’m somehow managing.”

Following the court appearance, Farzana Yasmin Rakhi told reporters, “He is reading the Quran regularly in jail and has already completed one full recitation. He also has back pain.”

The day before, on 23 July, Palak made headlines when he was seen weeping uncontrollably while standing in the prison van after appearing in court for a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) related to illegal wealth accumulation. His emotional state was captured in photos that went viral across media platforms.

After the hearing that day, at around 12:30 p.m., Palak was returned to Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj in a prison van. He was wearing a police helmet, a bulletproof vest, and handcuffs. However, once inside the van, the helmet and handcuffs were removed. At that moment, several individuals believed to be from Palak’s home district of Natore approached him.

Upon seeing them, Palak smiled. Some addressed him with encouragement, saying, “We are praying for you.” In response, Palak said, “Please pray for me.” He then raised his head and, through the narrow slits of the van, told the crowd, “Pray for me. Stay safe, everyone.”

One of the bystanders reassured him, “Don’t worry, brother.” Hearing this, Palak broke down in tears once more. “Palak bhai, please don’t cry,” the supporter pleaded, but Palak continued to weep, overcome with emotion. Moments later, the prison van carrying him slowly drove away toward the jail.

Palak was arrested by police on 15 August last year. Since then, he has been shown arrested in 70 cases and remanded for a total of 62 days.