Ex-Minister Zunaid Palak Reports Bleeding Hands in Dhaka Court
Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the former state minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT), raised his hands after appearing in a Dhaka court on Monday. He claimed that rusty handcuffs made his hands bleed. Palak was being taken from the court lockup back to jail at the time.
He was brought to court for a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The court appearance took place before Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Shahjahan Kabir.
The ACC was scheduled to submit its investigation report today. However, the commission did not submit the report. As a result, the court set November 23 as the new date for the next hearing. Palak was then sent back to prison under police escort. His lawyer, Farzana Yeasmin Rakhi, confirmed these details.
Palak was arrested on August 15, 2024. This happened after the Awami League government lost power. He has been in jail since his arrest.
The ACC filed a case against Palak on December 12, 2024. ACC Deputy Director Mustafizur Rahman filed the complaint.
According to the case statement, Palak illegally acquired assets worth Tk 87.34 million. These assets, both land and movable property, were disproportionate to his known income sources. The ACC alleges he intended to gain financial benefits for himself.
The case also states that Palak made suspicious transactions. He allegedly deposited Tk 320.49 million and withdrew Tk 298.47 million through 25 bank accounts. The ACC believes these unusual transactions show money laundering through bribery and corruption. It is also alleged that he transferred illegally obtained money to hide its true source.
