Quader told Palak to slow down internet during July Uprising, call recording submitted to ICT
Palak told Quader that he needed permission from then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina before taking the step.
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, then the road transport minister, instructed then-ICT state minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak to slow down internet services during the early days of the July Uprising, according to a phone conversation submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).
However, Palak told Quader that he needed permission from then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina before taking the step.
The prosecution presented the recording as evidence today (9 August), as arguments continued for the third consecutive day in a crimes against humanity case against Quader and six others.
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The prosecution told the tribunal that the conversation over controlling internet services during the uprising was an important piece of evidence in the case.
Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim presented the arguments before the three-member tribunal headed by Justice Md Nazrul Islam Chowdhury.
Prosecutors Faruk Ahmed, Sultan Mahmud and Shahidul Islam Sardar were also present. Lawyers for the accused attended the hearing as well.
In the phone conversation, Quader instructed Palak to "slow down the internet a little".
When Palak asked whether he should first seek the Hasina's permission, Quader told him to do so.
Palak then indicated that the instruction had been given that the measure could not be taken without her approval. He reiterated that Palak should ask her first and then inform him.
According to the prosecution, the conversation is significant evidence of the involvement of senior government and Awami League leaders in controlling internet access during the July uprising.
Earlier, on 6 August, the prosecution submitted another phone recording involving Quader and Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain.
In that conversation, Quader allegedly encouraged and provoked Saddam to attack protesters.
Seven people have been accused in the case. Apart from Quader, they are Awami League Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, former state minister for information and broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, its General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain and its General Secretary Wali Asif Enan.
All six accused are absconding.
