Former state minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak remained relatively quiet as he was brought to Dhaka's Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's (CMM) Court yesterday.

Palak was escorted from Kashimpur jail under heavy security, wearing a helmet, handcuffs, and a bulletproof vest. He was produced in court as part of an application to show him arrested in a murder case filed with Dhanmondi Police Station.

However, his silence broke upon arriving at the courtroom at 11:00am, where the hearing was scheduled. He spoke with his lawyers until Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate MA Azharul Islam took his seat.

"Prison life comes with intense life lessons. Everyone should spend at least seven days in jail to understand this. Even if I ever get out, I will still say this," Palak remarked from the dock.

He also claimed he was enduring inhumane conditions in prison due to financial struggles. Addressing lawyers and journalists, he said, "I don't even have money to buy flattened rice or puffed rice. In prison, I share bread and bananas with Suman bhai [Barrister Syed Sayedul Haque Suman]."

Palak suggested that speaking in court often leads to an extension of remand. "If we speak, the remand is extended. If the lawyers speak, the remand is extended," he said, advising his lawyers to remain cautious during the hearing.

When police asked him to stop talking, he responded, "I am not saying anything illegal."

Later, he attempted to catch the attention of Dhaka Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Omar Faruq Faruqi, greeting him with "Salam". Initially, the prosecutor did not respond, but eventually, he acknowledged the greeting.

Palak then remarked, "At last, the prosecutor's heart has softened."

Before being taken back to the lockup, he addressed journalists, saying, "Please be kind while writing about us."

Following the hearing, Magistrate Azharul ordered Palak to be shown as arrested in the case.

FARUK DENIES FB POST

Former civil aviation minister Muhammad Faruk Khan was also brought to the CMM Court yesterday for a remand hearing in a violence case filed with Motijheel Police Station.

On February 3, a Facebook post from the verified profile of the Awami League presidium member went viral, in which he denounced party chief Sheikh Hasina and called for a change in leadership. The post sparked nationwide discussions.

As Faruk was being taken to the detention cell, a journalist asked, "Did you post a status on Facebook from prison?"

Faruk responded, "How can I post a status from prison? This is false information."

Another journalist repeated the question, to which he reiterated, "Is it possible to post a status from prison? How can I do that from here?"

When the journalist pointed out that the post had come from his verified account, Faruk remained silent.