Charge framing against Sheikh Hasina, 285 others in sedition case deferred to 21 Jan
A Dhaka court has deferred the charge framing hearing in a sedition case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others to 21 January.
The case stems from allegations that the accused took part in a Zoom meeting of a "Joy Bangla Brigade," during which they allegedly plotted to overthrow the interim government and engaged in anti-state activities.
Following the hearing today (5 January), Judge Abdus Salam of Dhaka Special Judge's Court-9 set the new date.
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State prosecutor Omar Faruk Faruki confirmed the development, saying that 25 accused currently in jail were produced before the court. Another accused, Al Maruf, was shown arrested, while AKM Akhtaruzzaman was not produced, prompting the court to fix 21 January for the charge framing hearing.
According to court sources, the case was filed on 27 March last year by CID Assistant Superintendent of Police Md Enamul Haque against Sheikh Hasina and 72 others on charges of sedition. After investigation, the CID submitted a charge sheet on 30 July, naming 286 accused.
The court accepted the charge sheet on 14 August and issued arrest warrants against the accused. A travel ban was imposed on 11 September. On 14 October, the court ordered newspaper notices directing 261 absconding accused, including Sheikh Hasina, to appear before it. Later, on 11 November, the case was transferred from the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate's Court to the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court for trial after it was deemed ready for proceedings.
The prosecution alleges that on 19 December 2024, Sheikh Hasina and several hundred Awami League leaders and activists joined a Zoom meeting of the "Joy Bangla Brigade," led by Dr Rabbi Alam, vice-president of the Awami League US. During the meeting, Sheikh Hasina allegedly made anti-state remarks and instructed party leaders and activists to oust interim government chief Muhammad Yunus. The statements were later circulated widely on social media across the country.
