Joy, Palak among masterminds of July massacre: ICT chief prosecutor

Sajeeb Wajed Joy, son of ousted ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and former state minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak were among the masterminds behind the massacres and killings made during the July Uprising, said International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam.

The ICT chief prosecutor made the remarks during a press briefing held on the tribunal premises today (18 February), following the prosecution's opening statement in a case involving crimes against humanity.

The proceedings opened with the prosecution presenting a detailed opening statement, framing the duo as "masterminds" behind the crimes against humanity committed during the mass uprising of 2024.

The tribunal has fixed 25 February as the date for recording the testimony of the first witness. This marks the transition from preliminary legal arguments to the evidentiary phase of the trial.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, during a press briefing on the tribunal premises, detailed the prosecution's opening arguments. He alleged that the accused utilised their control over the nation's Information and Communication Technology infrastructure to orchestrate a total internet blackout.

This strategic shutdown, the prosecution argued, was not merely a technical disruption but a calculated attempt to facilitate a "massacre" while shielding the atrocities from the world's eyes. The prosecution also highlighted alleged conspiracies involving former adviser to the prime minister Salman F Rahman.

According to the opening statement, Palak engaged in high-level consultations with Salman to plan and execute the state's response to the student-led protests, which resulted in widespread fatalities.

Earlier, on 21 January, a three-member ICT-1 bench, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, framed charges against the two accused and fixed 18 February for opening statements and witness examination. Of the two accused, Palak is currently in custody and had been produced before the tribunal from jail that day.

Joy, who is absconding, is being represented by state-appointed defence lawyer Manjur Alam. The prosecution brought three charges against the accused.

One of which concern incidents in Dhaka's Badda, Uttara, Rampura and Khilgaon areas on 18, 19 and 24 July, during which several people, including Gongacharan Rajbongshi, Rasel, Hasib and Mosleh Uddin, were killed and many others injured.

The prosecution alleged on 21 January that Joy and Palak incited and instigated crimes by ordering internet shutdowns and encouraging the use of drones, helicopters and lethal weapons.

A phone conversation between Palak and Salman F Rahman regarding the internet shutdown was also cited in this charge, further solidifying evidence as to their connections.