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Published : 17 Jun 2026, 06:56 PM
A Dhaka court has fixed Jul 14 for the remaining hearing on the framing of charges in a sedition case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others
They are accused of attempting to overthrow the interim government and engaging in anti-state activities.
A partial hearing was held on Wednesday at the court of Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Moin Uddin Chowdhury in Dhaka.
Earlier in the day, 34 suspects were produced in court from prison for the hearing, while six others, currently on bail, appeared in person.
During the proceedings, lawyers including Morshed Hossain Shaheen argued for the discharge of several suspects, including former reserved-seat MP Sabina Akter Tuhin.
Defence counsel sought adjournment, citing insufficient preparation and the absence of senior lawyers.
The court, however, did not issue a ruling on the adjournment plea and instead directed the lawyers to proceed with the hearing.
“We have already given sufficient time. The work must begin. Will we keep stalling on one matter? Continue your arguments,” the judge said.
The hearing later continued on discharge petitions of several suspects.
The charge-framing hearing in the case began on Jan 21.
Dhaka Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Omar Faruq Faruqi is conducting the prosecution proceedings in favour of framing charges.
Of the suspects, 246, including Hasina, are currently absconding.
Others named in the case include former Khulna Jubo League leader Parvez Khan Iman, Chattogram-based “Joy Bangla Brigade” chief Kabirul Islam Akash, and several regional organisers of the platform, along with multiple other political figures.
The case was filed on Mar 27 last year by CID Assistant Superintendent of Police Enamul Haque against 73 individuals over allegations of sedition.
After investigation, a chargesheet was submitted on Jul 30 the same year.
The court accepted the chargesheet on Aug 14 and issued arrest warrants.
On Sep 11, a travel ban was imposed on the suspects, followed by an Oct 14 order for publication of notices in newspapers for absconding individuals to appear before court.
According to the case statement, several hundred leaders and activists of the Awami League, under the banner of “Joy Bangla Brigade”, allegedly joined a Zoom meeting on Dec 19, 2024, led by US Awami League Vice-President Rabbi Alam.
Hasina allegedly made anti-state remarks and instructed efforts to oust the then chief advisor Muhammad Yunus.
