Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has formally framed charges against Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and former state minister for the ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak, accusing them of facilitating crimes against humanity through a nationwide internet shutdown during last year’s July uprising.
The three-member ICT-1 bench, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, on Wednesday brought three counts of crimes against humanity against the two accused. The tribunal set 18 February for the prosecution’s opening statement and the start of witness depositions.
Joy, who served as former ICT affairs adviser and is currently a fugitive, and Palak are accused of orchestrating and implementing the shutdown of internet services across Bangladesh at a critical moment during mass protests, allegedly enabling widespread violence, arbitrary arrests and killings.
The case stems from events during the July uprising, when authorities imposed restrictions on digital communication amid escalating demonstrations. Prosecutors argue that the move was deliberately designed to suppress information, prevent coordination among protesters and conceal abuses by security forces.
Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam represented the state, while advocate Liton Ahmed appeared for Palak and advocate Manjur Alam defended Joy in absentia. The tribunal had reserved its order on 15 January after hearing arguments from both sides.
According to the prosecution, Palak, acting as state minister, reduced mobile internet speeds before ordering a complete shutdown, following instructions from Joy. Prosecutors alleged that Palak later blocked major social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok, to prevent images and reports of violence from reaching the public and international community.
The prosecution further alleged that Palak posted a message on his verified Facebook account, after approval from Joy, which it said incited police and ruling party student wing activists to attack protesting students and civilians.
“The conspiracy to shut down the internet originated from Sajeeb Wazed Joy,” Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam told the tribunal. “The decision was taken after consultation with Sheikh Hasina, and Zunaid Ahmed Palak implemented it on the ground.”
An arrest warrant was issued against Joy on 4 December after the tribunal took cognisance of the charges. Palak is currently in custody.
The tribunal’s investigation agency submitted its final probe report on 3 December 2025, concluding that the internet blackout played a direct role in facilitating unlawful detentions, torture and killings during the unrest.
The case marks one of the most high-profile proceedings yet under the International Crimes Tribunal, as authorities pursue accountability for actions taken during the final months of Sheikh Hasina’s rule, which ended following widespread protests and political upheaval.
