Tribunal writes to Meta seeking Facebook, Messenger data of Mozaffar Hossain

The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal has formally written to technology company Meta, seeking Facebook and Messenger-related data of former army officer Mozaffar Hossain, an accused in the assassination case of former president Ziaur Rahman.

Tribunal prosecutor and IT expert Tanvir Hasan Joha confirmed the matter on Wednesday, August 5. He said that according to information obtained during the investigation, Mozaffar Hossain regularly communicated via Messenger with several Facebook accounts, including that of the former prime minister. Additionally, he is believed to have been in contact with several groups. An email request has been sent to Meta for detailed information on these communications .

Tanvir Hasan Joha said steps have also been taken to recover Mozaffar Hossain's deleted Facebook conversations. Meta has been contacted for necessary information and technical assistance in this regard.

Mozaffar Hossain was arrested by Dhaka Metropolitan Detective (DB) Police on July 16 over his alleged involvement in the assassination of former president Ziaur Rahman in 1981 . He was later handed over to the army. On July 23, the International Crimes Tribunal-2 ordered him shown arrested in a case involving crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. The tribunal also granted a two-day remand for interrogation, though the investigating agency has yet to question him. The tribunal also ordered him kept in army custody.

International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam claimed that investigation has found evidence of long-standing, regular communication between Mozaffar Hossain and retired Lieutenant General Masud Uddin Chowdhury. He alleged they had maintained contact for 16 years and that Mozaffar made several trips to neighbouring countries while on the run .

The chief prosecutor said Mozaffar Hossain has been shown arrested in the same case in which Masud Uddin Chowdhury is currently in custody on charges of crimes against humanity. The prosecution has alleged that investigations are also ongoing into Masud Uddin Chowdhury's involvement in conspiracies surrounding various national elections.