’Pray for me..I’m being mute.’

Former state minister for ICT, Zunaid Ahmed Palak had a brief back and forth with reporters as he was escorted from the International Crimes Tribunal today. Palak, along with 15 other high-profile figures, were shown arrested on December 2 in connection with the allegations of crimes against humanity and genocide during the July-August mass uprising.

Around 1:00pm, Palak was removed from the tribunal and placed in a prison van. When journalists asked, "Palak Bhai, how are you?" he responded briefly, then pressed a finger to his lips, signalling for silence from within the vehicle.

Then, he told , "Pray for me...I'm being mute. Mute!" The van later left the court premises, heading towards the jail.

The case involves several prominent figures, including former law minister Anisul Huq, industries minister Amir Hossain Amu, food minister Qamrul Islam, and civil aviation and tourism minister Lt Col (Retd) Faruk Khan. Other notable individuals arrested include minister and Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal president Hasanul Haq Inu, and former energy adviser Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury.

Also in custody are former ministers Kamal Ahmed Majumder, Golam Dastagir Gazi, former Justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, and ex-home secretary Jahangir Alam.

Palak, along with former social welfare minister Dipu Moni, ex-shipping minister Shajahan Khan, and Hasina's adviser Salman F Rahman, were produced before the tribunal earlier this morning.