Summary:
- Former ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak is detained in a high-security prison cell with death row inmates, lacking family visitations or phone access.
- Palak’s arrest is linked to a murder case filed at Shahbagh Police Station, and he is under investigation for ordering internet shutdowns during protests.
- The arrest follows the political turmoil after Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, leading to multiple arrests of former Awami League officials.
- Palak has expressed his grievances in court, requesting to submit a written application regarding his detention conditions.
Former State Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Zunaid Ahmed Palak has expressed grievances over his current detention conditions. During a court appearance on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Dhaka, Palak lamented being housed alongside death row inmates in a high-security prison cell. He described his confinement in a cramped space measuring five feet by four feet, without access to family visits or phone calls.
Palak’s complaints were voiced during a hearing where the investigating officer from Shahbagh Police Station requested the court to formally arrest him in connection with the Riaz murder case. The presiding magistrate, Md. Imran Ahmed, instructed Palak to submit a written application regarding his concerns.
This incident follows a series of political upheavals in Bangladesh. Palak was initially detained at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on August 6, 2024, as he attempted to leave the country amidst the political turmoil following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Awami League government faced widespread protests leading to its downfall, and several party leaders have since been arrested or gone into hiding.
Palak’s arrest is part of broader legal actions against former government officials linked to various allegations, including internet shutdowns during anti-discrimination protests. Despite ongoing investigations, specific charges related to these shutdowns have yet to be filed against him.
The conditions of Palak’s detention have drawn attention to Bangladesh’s prison system, particularly concerning the treatment of inmates awaiting trial or appeal. A recent ruling by the Bangladesh High Court deemed it unconstitutional to place death row inmates in solitary confinement before their appeals are exhausted. This decision highlights ongoing concerns about prison conditions and the legal processes surrounding capital punishment in the country.
As the legal proceedings continue, Palak remains incarcerated under challenging conditions, awaiting further developments in his case.
Source: Kalbela
