Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. File Photo

DHAKA, July 14, 2026 (BSS) - A court here today adjourned till September 30 the hearing on charge framing in a sedition case filed against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others.

Judge Moin Uddin Chowdhury of the Dhaka 3rd Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court passed the order as the prosecution took part in the hearing on the matter today. The defence, however, argued for discharging the accused and subsequently pleaded for time to complete their hearing.

Allowing the defence plea, the court adjourned the hearing till September 30.

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 MP 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 MP 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.