STAFF CORRESPONDENT

A state-appointed defence counsel yesterday told the International Crimes Tribunal-1 that Sajeeb Wazed Joy was falsely implicated in a crimes against humanity case to prevent his return to the country.

During the charge hearing, defence lawyer Monjur Alam sought Joy’s discharge, claiming the charges were baseless and that the prosecution had failed to submit any documentary evidence in support of the allegations.

“Since Joy is the son of a former prime minister, there is a possibility of his return to politics in Bangladesh in the future, and that is why he has been made an accused to tarnish his image,” Monjur told journalists after the proceedings.

Joy, the son of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, served as her ICT adviser. He and former state minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak were named as accused in a case filed over alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July 2024 mass uprising.

The prosecution brought three charges against Joy and Palak, accusing them of inciting violent crackdowns on protesters, during which more than 1,400 people were killed and over 25,000 injured; ordering internet shutdowns to conceal the atrocities; and directing law enforcement agencies and ruling party cadres to open fire on demonstrators.

The defence lawyer said his client had been appointed as an honorary adviser and had no authority

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