Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Zunaid Ahmed Palak. Photo: Collage

DHAKA, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS) - International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 today framed charges against Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former ICT affairs adviser, and former State Minister for the ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak for allegedly facilitating crimes against humanity by imposing a nationwide internet shutdown.

The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, framed three charges of crimes against humanity against the duo and fixed February 18 for submission of the prosecution's opening statement and commencement of witness depositions.

Earlier, on January 15, the tribunal had set today for passing its order after both the prosecution and defence concluded their hearings.

Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam appeared for the prosecution, while advocate Liton Ahmed represented accused Zunaid Ahmed Palak and advocate Manjur Alam defended fugitive accused Sajeeb Wazed Joy.

On December 4, the tribunal issued an arrest warrant against Joy after taking cognisance of the formal charges brought against him and Palak.

According to the formal charge, the accused are alleged to have shut down internet services across the country during the July Uprising, thereby facilitating the commission of crimes against humanity.

The prosecution said Palak, while serving as state minister for the ICT Division, posted a status on his verified Facebook account after receiving approval from Joy, which allegedly instigated widespread attacks on agitating students and the public by police and Chhatra League cadres.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam told the tribunal that, following Joy's instructions, Palak first reduced mobile internet speed and later imposed a complete shutdown to create an environment conducive to the detention, torture and killing of protesters.

He further said Palak provided misleading statements regarding the internet disruption and later blocked social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook and TikTok to prevent information about the alleged atrocities from reaching the outside world.

"The conspiracy to block the internet originated from Sajeeb Wazed Joy. He made the decision after consulting his mother, Sheikh Hasina, and Palak implemented it," the prosecution added.

The tribunal's investigation agency submitted its probe report against the accused on December 3, 2025.