Former State Minister Palak seeks increased legal consultation access amid ongoing trials
Photo Collected
Former State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak appeared before a Dhaka metropolitan court on Sunday, citing severe health complications and legal difficulties as he faces charges related to the July uprising. During the scheduled hearing for the murder of truck driver Md. Hossain in Mohammadpur, Palak requested the court to grant him extended time to consult with his legal counsel, noting that he is currently managing a neck injury that necessitates medical restrictions on wearing protective headgear.
Addressing the court from the dock, Palak highlighted the strain of his legal predicament, noting that he has spent 99 days in remand and is currently facing 98 separate cases, with three currently undergoing trial. The former minister, who is also testifying in ICT-related proceedings, expressed frustration over restricted access to his defense team, requesting at least three hours of consultation twice every two weeks. His lawyer, Farzana Yasmin, supported the plea, explaining that current prison regulations hinder necessary legal strategy sessions, particularly as many of the cases against him have reached the indictment hearing stage. Judge Rabiul Alam of the Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 subsequently directed authorities to facilitate the consultations in accordance with prison regulations.
বিজ্ঞাপন
The case stems from the July 19, 2024, incident in Mohammadpur, where driver Md. Hossain was fatally shot, and two others were injured during the political unrest. Following an investigation into a complaint filed by the victim’s mother, police submitted a charge sheet against 34 individuals, including ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Palak. While four of the accused, including Palak and former ministers Shahjahan Khan and Sadeq Khan, appeared from custody on Sunday, eight others appeared on bail, and the remainder remain at large.
During his transit to and from the courtroom, Palak drew attention by repeatedly gesturing a “V” sign to supporters. While his defense lawyer suggested the gesture may have been intended to encourage followers, public prosecutor Omar Faruk criticized the behavior, labeling it an habitual attempt by the accused to manipulate public sentiment through inappropriate conduct in a judicial setting.
বিজ্ঞাপন
Tensions remained visible outside the courthouse, where over a hundred supporters gathered to observe the proceedings. Following the conclusion of the hearing, Kotwali police detained four individuals—Mostakim Hossain, Nur Alam, Anwar Hossain, and Ruhul Amin—near the prison van area. According to Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Nazim Uddin Al Azad, the four are being interrogated to determine their motives, and further action will be taken based on the findings.
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