Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. File photo

DHAKA, June 17, 2026 (BSS) - A court here today set July 14 for the hearing on charge framing in a sedition case filed against former Prime Minister 
Sheikh Hasina and 285 others.

Judge Moin Uddin Chowdhury of the Dhaka third Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court passed the order, adjourning the hearing until the 
scheduled date.

During today's proceedings, the prosecution prayed for framing charges in the case, while the defence began its hearing on discharge petitions. 

However, the defence could not complete its arguments and sought additional time. The court accepted the plea and adjourned the hearing until July 14.

The case was filed over allegations of participating in anti-state activities and conspiring to overthrow the interim government through a virtual meeting 
of the "Joy Bangla Brigade" on Zoom.

Of the 286 accused, 259, including Sheikh Hasina, remain absconding and are being tried in absentia. On October 14, 2025, the court ordered publication 
of notices in newspapers directing the fugitives to appear before it.

Apart from Sheikh Hasina, other prominent accused include former lawmaker Sabina Akhter Tuhin, US unit Awami League Vice-President Dr Rabbi Alam, Joy 
Bangla Brigade member Kabirul Islam, Advocate Kamrul Islam, Elahi Newaz Masum, Zakir Hossain Jiku, Professor Taheruzzaman, AKM Akhtaruzzaman, Ajida 
Parveen Pakhi, Advocate AFM Didarul Islam, Maksudur Rahman, former lawmaker Syeda Rubina Akter, former MP Pankaj Nath, Laila Banu, Bangladesh Chhatra 
League President Saddam Hossain, Ritu Akter, Nurunnabi Nibir, Sabina Begum and Shariful Islam Ramzan.

According to the case statement, a virtual meeting titled "Joy Bangla Brigade" was held on December 19, 2024, where participants allegedly vowed to 
wage a civil war to reinstall fugitive Sheikh Hasina as prime minister.

A total of 577 individuals from home and abroad reportedly joined the Zoom meeting and expressed commitment to follow her directives.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) found in its investigation that the online meeting, hosted by US Awami League leader Dr Rabbi Alam, contained 
discussions aimed at resisting the lawful government and inciting rebellion against the state.

Following approval from the Home Ministry, CID Assistant Superintendent of Police Md Enamul Haque filed the sedition case against Sheikh Hasina and 72 
others on March 27, 2025.

Later, under Section 196 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), he was assigned to investigate the case.

After completing the investigation, the CID officer submitted a charge sheet on August 14 against 286 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina. The court 
accepted the charge sheet and issued arrest warrants against all the accused.