International Crimes Tribunal–1 has indicted Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and Zunaid Ahmed Palak, a former state minister, on charges of crimes against humanity, accusing them of orchestrating an internet shutdown during a violent uprising in July 2024.

ICT–1 framed three charges against Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Zunaid Ahmed Palak. A three–judge bench led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumdar rejected their bail petitions today and set February 18 for opening statements and witness testimony.

The indictments formally open the trial. The case centres on allegations that the defendants ordered an internet shutdown during the July mass uprising in 2024, which prosecutors say enabled widespread killings.

Palak, the former state minister for information and communication technology, appeared in court today, pleading not guilty and asking for justice as the charges were read.

Joy was represented by state–appointed lawyer Monjur Alam, while barrister M Liton appeared for Palak.