The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has set January 21 to deliver its order on whether to frame charges against Sajib Wazed Joy, son of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and ICT adviser, and former state minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak. The prosecution has accused them of crimes against humanity for allegedly shutting down the internet during the July uprising. The tribunal gave the order on Thursday after hearing both sides. Palak, who is under arrest, was produced in court for the hearing.

Defense lawyers Liton Ahmed and Munjur Alam argued that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence and sought acquittal for their clients. Prosecutor Gazi M H Tamim countered that the charges were based on credible evidence and requested the tribunal to frame charges and begin trial. The prosecution has brought three charges against the two.

The charges include allegations that Palak incited violence through social media posts on July 14, 2024, and that both accused conspired to shut down the internet and encouraged the use of lethal force, resulting in multiple deaths during the July events.