Indictment hearing in sedition case against Hasina, 285 others on 17 June

A Dhaka court has scheduled 17 June for the charge-framing hearing in a sedition case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others.

Dhaka Third Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Moin Uddin Chowdhury passed the order, granting the defence's request for more time.

The case stems from allegations that the accused participated in anti-state activities and conspired to overthrow the interim government by joining a virtual "Joy Bangla Brigade" meeting on 19 December, 2024.

The meeting, reportedly attended by 577 participants worldwide, allegedly involved pledges to incite rebellion and restore Sheikh Hasina as prime minister.

Of the 286 accused, 259, including Sheikh Hasina, remain at large and are being tried in absentia.

Notices were published in newspapers on 14 October, 2025, summoning the fugitives to appear in court.

Notable accused include former MPs Sabina Akhter Tuhin, Pankaj Nath, and Syeda Rubina Akter; US Awami League Vice-President Dr Rabbi Alam; Joy Bangla Brigade member Kabirul Islam; Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain; and several lawyers and academics.

The sedition case was filed by CID ASP Md Enamul Haque on 27 March, 2025, after approval from the Home Ministry.

A charge sheet against 286 individuals was submitted on 14 August, 2025, which the court accepted, issuing arrest warrants against all the accused.