Ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. File pfoto

DHAKA, April 15, 2026 (BSS) - A court here has scheduled June 17 for the charge-framing hearing in a sedition case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others.
 
Dhaka Third Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Moin Uddin Chowdhury passed the order, granting the defence's request for more time.
 
The case stems from allegations that the accused participated in anti-state activities and conspired to overthrow the interim government by joining a virtual "Joy Bangla Brigade" meeting on December 19, 2024. 

The meeting, reportedly attended by 577 participants worldwide, allegedly involved pledges to incite rebellion and restore Sheikh Hasina as prime minister.
 
Of the 286 accused, 259, including Sheikh Hasina, remain at large and are being tried in absentia. Notices were published in newspapers on October 14, 2025, summoning the fugitives to appear in court.
 
Notable accused include former MPs Sabina Akhter Tuhin, Pankaj Nath, Syeda Rubina Akter; US Awami League Vice-President Dr Rabbi Alam; Joy Bangla Brigade member Kabirul Islam; Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain; and several lawyers and academics.
 
The sedition case was filed by CID ASP Md Enamul Haque on March 27, 2025, after Home Ministry approval. 

A charge sheet against 286 individuals was submitted on August 14, 2025, which the court accepted, issuing arrest warrants against all accused.