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State Defence Appointed for Fugitive Sajeeb Wazed Joy
A file photo of Sajeeb Wazed Joy
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 on 17 December ordered the appointment of a state defence counsel to represent Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who remains at large in a crimes against humanity case.
The two-member tribunal, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, issued the order after Joy failed to appear despite notices published in newspapers. A hearing for charge framing in the case has been scheduled for 7 January.
On 10 December, the tribunal had directed authorities to publish notices summoning Joy to appear in court. Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam attended the hearing, while Advocate Liton Ahmed represented another accused, former ICT Division state minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak.
Earlier, on 4 December, the tribunal issued an arrest warrant against Joy following formal charges against him and Palak. The charges accuse them of shutting down nationwide internet services during the July Uprising, allegedly enabling crimes against humanity.
The prosecution stated that Palak, with approval from Joy, first slowed and then shut down mobile internet, allowing police and Chhatra League cadres to detain, torture, and attack protesters. Social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok were also blocked to prevent information from reaching the public.
The tribunal’s investigation agency submitted its probe report against the accused on 3 December, forming the basis of the ongoing trial.