Dhaka, Dec 19 (V7N)— Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister, allegedly ordered an internet shutdown during the July-August genocide to obscure the atrocities, according to statements made by Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the then State Minister for ICT. This revelation was shared by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam of the International Crimes Tribunal during a press briefing on Thursday.

Citing Palak’s interrogation by the investigation agency, Tajul stated, "Sheikh Hasina's directive aimed to cover up the genocide through an internet blackout." He added that the shutdown was implemented by Palak under Hasina’s orders.

The tribunal is currently overseeing a case related to crimes against humanity committed during the July-August massacre. Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, former NTMC Director General Major General (retd) Ziaul Ahsan, and eight other officials are under investigation. The tribunal has directed the completion of the investigation within two months and demanded a progress report by February 20, 2025.

In a separate development, Ziaul Ahsan, one of the accused, has filed an application challenging the tribunal's jurisdiction to try him. Chief Prosecutor Tajul dismissed the move as an attempt to undermine the trial's credibility.

The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, issued the order, emphasizing the need for timely progress. Prosecutors BM Sultan Mahmud and Gazi MH Tamim joined Tajul Islam in representing the prosecution during the hearing.

This case continues to draw significant attention as the tribunal investigates the alleged atrocities and the circumstances surrounding the internet shutdown during that period.

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