Dhaka, Jan 11 (V7N) — The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has fixed January 15 for the hearing of former ICT State Minister Junaid Ahmed Palak in a case involving alleged crimes against humanity. The hearing for framing charges follows a prosecution request presented on Sunday before a three-member judicial panel.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam requested the tribunal to frame charges against Palak and ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy on three counts. The tribunal panel is led by Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, with Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Justice Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as members.

During the proceedings, Palak’s lawyer, Liton Ahmed, requested more time for privileged communication with the accused, citing prison restrictions on bringing laptops and pen drives. He also sought to postpone the charge-framing hearing to January 18 to review all evidence, including 10 videos submitted by the prosecution.

The tribunal, however, emphasized that the hearing will proceed as scheduled. Chairman Justice Majumder noted that the tasks could be completed at the tribunal’s jail facility immediately. Justice Shafiul Alam instructed that any device-related issues could be resolved within two hours.

The tribunal also addressed comments by the chief prosecutor suggesting attempts to delay the trial in the context of the upcoming national elections. Justice Shafiul Alam reminded the court that election outcomes do not influence the judicial process.

The hearing for framing charges against Palak is now scheduled for Thursday, January 15, allowing the lawyers additional time to review the formal charges.

END/SMA/AJ