Tribunal Permits Encrypted Mobile Consultations
Ziaul Ahsan Joins ICT Hearing Virtually
- Former general Ziaul Ahsan attends ICT enforced disappearance hearing virtually from prison
- Tribunal authorizes encrypted WhatsApp phone consultations between the defendant and counsel
- Defense begins cross-examination of investigation officer amid NTMC surveillance allegations
Facing charges of crimes against humanity involving enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, former military official and former Director General of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC), Ziaul Ahsan, joined court proceedings virtually from prison. On Tuesday (October 13, 2026), the hearing was conducted before International Crimes Tribunal-1, chaired by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mozumder. Demonstrating the integration of telecommunications tech in high-profile judicial workflows, the tribunal issued an order permitting the defendant to consult his legal counsel via encrypted mobile channels during the trial.
Ziaul Ahsan joined the proceedings via video conference as the defense initiated the first day of cross-examining Investigation Officer Md. Rafiqul Islam. The defendant’s video stream was relayed live onto two large display monitors mounted on the courtroom walls and individual workstation screens used by judges, prosecutors, and defense lawyers.
Prior to cross-examination, defense counsel and the defendant's sister, Nazneen Nahar, presented a procedural petition seeking to withdraw a previous motion regarding inmate transport arrangements. She requested that Ziaul Ahsan be physically present in court to facilitate direct legal consultation during questioning. The tribunal clarified that an order had already been passed on October 8 mandating virtual participation.
Addressing concerns regarding client-lawyer communication during virtual trials, the tribunal ordered that a dedicated mobile device be kept with the defendant inside the prison while his attorney retains a corresponding device in the courtroom. Under the framework, the defense team will provide SIM cards allowing encrypted WhatsApp calls during active trial sessions, alongside a designated communication window between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM on hearing days. Furthermore, Ziaul Ahsan can request to address the bench directly by raising his hand on the virtual platform.
Following the procedural rulings, the defense counsel cross-examined the investigation officer, addressing evidence and operational allegations related to digital surveillance and NTMC activities. Upon conclusion of the session, the tribunal ordered Ziaul Ahsan to remain in judicial custody while trial proceedings continue.
//DBTech/SBN/MVNO/SMP/DPEO//
