‘One Mujib Passes Away, Yet Millions of Mujibs Live On’ — Palak at Court Premises

Former State Minister for ICT, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, declared:
“One Mujib passes into eternity, yet millions of Mujibs live on in every home. The proof is Azizur Rahman.”

He made this statement on Wednesday (20 August) while referring to rickshaw-puller Azizur Rahman, who was assaulted at Dhanmondi 32 during the observance of the death anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Palak gave the remark in front of journalists while being taken from the court to prison after being shown arrested in connection with the murder of truck driver Hossain, who was killed during the July Movement in Mohammadpur.

Court Proceedings

• Applicant: Sub-Inspector Akteruzzaman of Mohammadpur Police Station filed the petition to show Palak arrested in the case.
• Presentation before court: Palak was produced before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Dhaka.
• Security measures: When brought in, Palak was handcuffed, wearing a helmet and a bulletproof jacket. Once inside the dock, police removed the jacket. He exchanged greetings with lawyers and several attendees before the hearing began.

At 10:30 am, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate M. Mizbah Ur Rahman took the bench. As the hearing commenced, Palak stood at the very front of the dock.

The investigating officer told the court:

• On 19 July last year, truck driver Hossain was shot dead in Mohammadpur during the July Movement.
• Evidence had emerged linking Zunaid Ahmed Palak to the incident.
• Therefore, a petition was submitted to have him officially shown as arrested in the case.

Case Background

State counsel Muhammad Shamsuddoha Sumon told the court:

• “This is a murder case. As his name surfaced during the investigation, the petition was filed to show him arrested.”
• He alleged that during the movement, internet services were shut down, a brutal crackdown was launched on protesters, many were shot dead, and later buried in mass graves.
• He claimed Palak was directly involved in the killings.

After reviewing the petition, the magistrate granted the investigating officer’s request and ordered that Zunaid Ahmed Palak be shown arrested in the case.