Former ICT affairs adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy and ex-State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak. Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Feb 18, 2026 (BSS) – The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 today fixed February 25 to begin recording witness testimonies in the internet shutdown case against Sajeeb Wazed Joy, former ICT affairs adviser, and ex-State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, who are accused of facilitating crimes against humanity.

The first tribunal, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, passed the order as Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam placed opening statement in the case today.

The tribunal on January 21 framed charges against the duo and had fixed February 18 for submission of the prosecution's opening statement and commencement of witness depositions.

Earlier, on January 15, both the prosecution and defence concluded their hearings on charge framing. 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 that 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.