Dhaka: A Dhaka court has scheduled January 5 for a hearing on charge framing in a sedition case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others. The hearing will take place at the Dhaka Special Judge Court-9, presided over by Judge Md Abdus Salam, following a time extension request by the defense, as stated by public prosecutor Saifullah Al Mamun.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, on November 11, the case was transferred to the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court from the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ishrat Jenifar Zerin, marking its readiness for trial. The case involves allegations of anti-state activities and conspiracy to topple the interim government through participation in a Zoom meeting of the "Joy Bangla Brigade." Among the 286 accused, 258 remain at large.
On October 14, the court issued notices in newspapers for the fugitives, including Sheikh Hasina, to present themselves before the court. CID Assistant Superintendent of Police Md Enamul Haque, the complainant, confirmed that 27 accused, such as former lawmaker Sabina Akhter Tuhin, are currently in custody.
The case statement details a virtual meeting on December 19, 2024, named "Joy Bangla Brigade," where participants allegedly pledged to incite civil war to restore Sheikh Hasina as prime minister. The meeting reportedly involved 577 participants, who expressed allegiance to her directives.
The CID investigation revealed that the meeting, organized by US Awami League leader Dr Rabbi Alam, contained discussions inciting rebellion against the state. With the Home Ministry's consent, CID ASP Md Enamul Haque filed the sedition case against Sheikh Hasina and 72 others on March 27. Subsequently, he was tasked with investigating the case under Section 196 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Following the investigation, a charge sheet was submitted on August 14, listing 286 accused, including Sheikh Hasina. The court accepted the charge sheet and issued arrest warrants for all involved.