A court on Wednesday set June 17 for the next hearing on charge framing against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others in a sedition case linked to an online “Joy Bangla Brigade” Zoom meeting.
Dhaka Additional Metropolitan Sessions Court-3 Judge Moin Uddin Chowdhury passed the order after defence lawyers sought time, which the court allowed.
On the day, 31 accused were produced before the court, including three newly arrested individuals.
Court documents show that Sheikh Hasina and 258 others are currently absconding, while 27 accused, including former MP Sabina Akhter Tuhin, remain in custody.
According to the prosecution, the case originated from a Zoom meeting held on 19 December, 2024, under the banner of “Joy Bangla Brigade,” where participants allegedly discussed organisational activities and expressed intentions to reinstate Sheikh Hasina as prime minister by inciting rebellion and continuing resistance.
Investigators said a total of 577 participants joined the virtual meeting from different locations.
They further alleged that the discussion included plans to obstruct the functioning of the government and calls for its overthrow, which constitute acts of sedition.
The meeting was reportedly hosted by Rabbi Alam, vice-president of the US Awami League. Analysis of recorded audio, according to investigators, revealed discussions on coordinated efforts to destabilise the state.
Following approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the case was filed on 27 March, 2025, by CID Assistant Superintendent of Police Md Enamul Haque, initially naming 73 accused.
He was later tasked with investigating the case under Section 196 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
After completion of the probe, CID submitted a charge sheet on 14 August next year, implicating Sheikh Hasina and 285 others before a Dhaka court.
Notable accused in the case include former MP Sabina Akhter Tuhin, US Awami League leader Rabbi Alam, Joy Bangla Brigade member Kabirul Islam, Advocate Kamrul Islam, AKM Akhtaruzzaman, Shahin, former MP Said Rubina Akhter, former MP Pankaj Nath, and former Chhatra League president Saddam Hossain, among others.
