Palak Seeks Family Visits, Regular Lawyer Meetings in Murder Case

Former state minister for Information and Communication Technology Junayed Ahmed Palak, who is in custody in a murder case filed over the death of truck driver Md Hossain during the July uprising, has sought permission to meet family members and hold regular special consultations with his lawyers to prepare his defence.

Palak made the requests with the court’s permission during a hearing on the framing of charges in the case filed with Mohammadpur Police Station in the capital. He asked the court to allow him to meet his family for at least 30 minutes and to permit him to meet his legal team at regular intervals to discuss matters related to the cases against him.

The court, however, did not issue any immediate order on the requests after the hearing.

During the proceedings, Palak also raised concerns about his physical condition. He told the court that he had sustained a serious injury to his neck and that an MRI examination had revealed displacement of two bones in the area. He also said that, on doctors’ advice, he was currently unable to wear a helmet.

Palak further informed the court that he was facing 98 cases in total and had spent 89 days in remand in connection with those cases. According to his statement, proceedings in three of the cases are currently under way, while the recording of evidence is continuing in several others.

Against this backdrop, Palak argued that regular contact with his family was important for him. He therefore requested at least 30 minutes to meet family members. He also sought special access to his lawyers on two days every fortnight to discuss legal matters, review case documents and prepare his defence. His application reportedly sought permission to meet his lawyers for three hours a day during those special consultations.

Palak’s lawyer, Tarikul Islam, said prisoners are generally allowed to meet family members at prescribed intervals under existing prison rules. However, given that legal proceedings are continuing in several cases against his client, the defence has sought additional opportunities for consultations with lawyers to facilitate case preparation and necessary legal advice.

The murder case stems from the death of truck driver Md Hossain during the anti-discrimination student movement in July 2024. According to the case documents, Hossain was shot dead in the Chan Udyan area of Mohammadpur on 19 July.

The complaint states that Hossain had left his truck at Gabtoli and was returning home when he was hit by gunfire. He died at the scene.

Following the incident, Hossain’s mother, Rina Begum, filed a murder case with Mohammadpur Police Station on 31 August 2024. The case subsequently came under investigation, with investigators examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the alleged involvement of those named in the proceedings.

Mohammadpur Police Station Sub-Inspector Akramuzzaman, who is the investigating officer in the case, submitted the charge sheet to the court on 23 November 2025. The charge sheet named 34 people as accused, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Palak’s requests came as the court considered the framing of charges in the case. His appeal for family visits and additional access to lawyers reflects the legal and personal challenges faced by an accused person involved in multiple ongoing criminal proceedings.

The court’s decision on whether to grant him regular meetings with family members and special consultations with his lawyers has not yet been announced. The matter is expected to be considered in accordance with the applicable prison regulations and the court’s discretion.