Former State Minister for ICT and Telecommunications, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, faced sharp remarks from mobile journalists during a live broadcast as he arrived at the International Crimes Tribunal on Tuesday, December 17, around 1:00 PM. “Palak bhai, Assalamualaikum. The internet is still not working,” and “Palak bhai, no net,” were some of the criticisms directed at him during the live session.
Dressed in a navy-blue full-sleeve sweater, Palak was escorted by two policemen as he walked toward the tribunal bench after being brought from the prison van. Even during this moment, journalists remarked, “We are live despite the internet issues. The internet is working, brother!”
Remaining silent and under police protection, Palak refrained from responding to the comments.
Later, as he was being taken back to jail, Palak glanced outside through the van’s ventilator. Journalists asked him, “Palak bhai, what’s the status of the internet? Is there internet now?” In response, he gestured for silence by placing a finger on his lips. After a pause, he asked, “Are you free?” before repeating, “We are silent. Are you free? We are silent.”
The police van then left the tribunal, carrying Palak and several other high-profile accused.
The tribunal proceedings are part of a case concerning allegations of “crimes against humanity, including genocide,” during efforts to suppress student-led movements in July and August. On October 17, the tribunal issued arrest warrants against 46 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, several ex-ministers, and state ministers of the Awami League government.
Subsequently, on October 27, 14 individuals, including 10 former ministers, two advisors, a retired judge, and a former secretary, were formally arrested. Of them, 13 individuals, including nine former ministers, were presented before the tribunal on November 18.
