A court has fixed 17 June for the charge-framing hearing in a sedition case filed against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others.
Dhaka Third Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Moin Uddin Chowdhury passed the order on Wednesday, allowing a defence plea seeking additional time for preparation.
According to case details, the accused are alleged to have taken part in anti-state activities and plotted to topple the interim government by joining a virtual meeting of the “Joy Bangla Brigade” held on 19 December 2024.
Prosecutors claim that the online gathering, which reportedly involved 577 participants from different countries, included discussions aimed at inciting rebellion and reinstating Sheikh Hasina as prime minister.
Of the 286 accused in the case, 259 persons, including Sheikh Hasina, are currently absconding and are being tried in absentia.
Earlier, notices were published in newspapers on 14 October 2025, instructing the fugitives to appear before the court.
Among the prominent accused are former lawmakers Sabina Akhter Tuhin, Pankaj Nath, Syeda Rubina Akter, US Awami League Vice-President Dr Rabbi Alam, Joy Bangla Brigade member Kabirul Islam, Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, as well as several lawyers and academics.
The case was originally lodged by CID Assistant Superintendent of Police Md Enamul Haque on 27 March 2025, following approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Subsequently, a charge-sheet was submitted on 14 August 2025 against all 286 accused, which the court accepted, issuing arrest warrants in the process.
The upcoming hearing on 17 June will determine the formal framing of charges in the high-profile case.
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