A sedition case filed against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others for allegedly engaging in anti-state activities and plotting to overthrow the interim government has been formally cleared for trial.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ishrat Jennifer Zerin on Thursday ordered the case to be sent to the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court after completing all preliminary procedures.
Of the total 286 accused, including Sheikh Hasina, 258 remain at large. On 14 October, the court issued a public notice in newspapers demanding the appearance of absconding defendants, including Sheikh Hasina.
So far, 28 accused are in custody, including former lawmaker and Dhaka North Jubo Mohila League president Sabina Akhter Tuhin, said CID Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Md Enamul Haque, the complainant in the case.
Other notable accused include former MPs Pankaj Nath and Syeda Rubina Akter, Dr Rabbi Alam, US Awami League vice-president, Joy Bangla Brigade member Kabirul Islam, lawyers Kamrul Islam and AFM Didarul Islam, Elahi Newaz Masum, Zakir Hossain Jiku, Prof Taheruzzaman, AKM Akhtaruzzaman, Ajida Parveen Pakhi, Laila Banu, Bangladesh Chhatra League president Saddam Hossain, Ritu Akter, Nurunnabi Nibir, Sabina Begum, and Shariful Islam Ramzan.
The case was formerly filed on 27 March 2025 by CID ASP Md Enamul Haque, after receiving approval from the Home Ministry.
Initially, the complaint named Sheikh Hasina and 72 others. After investigation, a charge sheet was submitted on 14 August 2025, listing 286 accused. The court accepted the charge sheet and subsequently issued arrest warrants for all defendants.
According to case documents, on 19 December 2024, Sheikh Hasina and others allegedly took part in a Zoom meeting organised by the ‘Joy Bangla Brigade,’ where they are accused of inciting rebellion against the interim government.
The meeting reportedly included 577 participants from home and abroad who pledged to follow directives aimed at reinstating the ousted prime minister.
The CID investigation found that the virtual meeting, hosted by US Awami League leader Dr Rabbi Alam, included discussions aimed at resisting the lawful government and inciting rebellion.
The case now moves to the Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court for trial proceedings.
