A Dhaka court has directed authorities concerned to issue public notices in newspapers summoning 262 individuals, including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, to appear before it in connection with a case alleging a conspiracy to topple the current interim government and incite anti-state activities.
On Tuesday, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam issued the order following a petition filed by CID Assistant Superintendent of Police Md Enamul Haque, the complainant in the case. The court has scheduled November 11 for the appearance of the accused, who are currently on the run.
Other accused in the case are Dr Rabbi Alam, Kabirul Islam, Advocate Kamrul Islam, Elahi Newaz Masum, Zakir Hossain Ziku, Professor Taheruzzaman, AKM Akhteruzzaman, Azida Parvin Pakhi, Advocate AFM Didarul Islam, Maksudur Rahman, Syeda Rubina Akter, Pankaj Nath, Layla Banu, Saddam Hossain, Ritu Akter, Nurunnabi Nibir, Sabina Begum, and Shariful Islam Ramzan.
Previously, the court had granted a CID request to show 24 of the 286 accused as arrested in the case. Following that, police sought permission to summon the remaining 262 individuals who have yet to be detained.
According to the case documents, on December 19, 2024, a virtual meeting was held via the video conferencing platform Zoom, where an organisation named “Joy Bangla Brigade” was allegedly established. During the session, participants reportedly voiced their intention to reinstate fugitive leader Sheikh Hasina through what was described as a civil war and pledged to continue their efforts until she was returned to power.
Authorities say a total of 577 individuals joined the online meeting from both domestic and international locations, collectively vowing to act under Sheikh Hasina’s directives.
