Former State Minister for ICT, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, has revealed the financial hardships he is facing in prison, stating that he doesn’t even have money for basic food like chira (flattened rice) and muri (puffed rice). Speaking in court on Wednesday, he shared that he has been splitting meals with fellow detainee Barrister Syed Sayedul Haque Suman.
Palak was brought to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Dhaka from Kashimpur Central Jail, wearing a helmet, handcuffs, and a bulletproof jacket. He was presented before the court for a hearing on a case filed at Dhanmondi Police Station during the July mass uprising.
Addressing lawyers and journalists, Palak described his time in prison as a life-altering experience.
“Prison life is an extreme lesson. Everyone should stay in jail for at least seven days to understand its reality. If I ever get out, I will still say the same thing,” he stated.
At one point, police officers tried to stop him from speaking, to which he responded, “I am not saying anything illegal.”
Palak also alleged that detainees face extended remand if they speak in court.
“The moment we talk, our remand is increased. Even if lawyers speak on our behalf, the remand period gets extended,” he claimed.
During the court proceedings, Palak tried to greet Metropolitan Public Prosecutor (PP) Omar Faruk Faruki with a salaam. Initially ignored, he later received a response, prompting Palak to remark, “At least now the PP sir has softened a little.”
Before being taken back to the holding cell, he turned to journalists and requested, “Please be kind when writing about us.”
Liberty News’ court correspondent states that following the hearing, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate M A Azharul Islam ordered his formal arrest in the Dhanmondi police case. Palak was then taken back to the court’s detention cell before being transferred to jail.
LND/BAIZID
