Desk Report: Zunaid Ahmed Palak, former state minister for posts, telecommunications, and information technology, has admitted to intentionally shutting down internet services across Bangladesh during the July mass uprising on direct orders from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The confession came during a questioning session conducted by the International Crimes Tribunal’s investigation agency, Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam revealed today in a press briefing at the tribunal.
According to Tajul, Palak disclosed that the internet blackout was a calculated move by Hasina and her party, the Awami League, to isolate Bangladesh from global scrutiny and suppress reports of mass killings during the protests.
“They aimed to cut off communication with the outside world to obscure the truth about the violent suppression of demonstrators,” the prosecutor stated.
Palak further admitted that the official explanation for the blackout—claiming a fire at data centers in Mohakhali and sabotage of telecommunications infrastructure—was fabricated.
This confession sheds new light on the government’s actions during one of the most turbulent periods in recent Bangladeshi history, raising serious questions about the role of political leadership in undermining transparency and human rights.
BM/Sajeeb