A Dhaka court has set July 14 for the hearing on charge-framing in a sedition case filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others, report agencies.
Judge Moin Uddin Chowdhury of the Dhaka third Additional Metropolitan
Sessions Judge Court passed the order on Wednesday.
During the proceedings, the prosecution prayed for framing charges in the case, while the defence began its hearing on discharge petitions.
However, the defence could not complete its arguments and sought additional time. The court accepted the plea and adjourned the hearing until July 14.
Earlier in the day, 34 suspects were produced in court from prison for the hearing, while six others, currently on bail, appeared in person.
The case was filed over allegations of participating in anti-state activities and conspiring to overthrow the interim government through a virtual meeting of the "Joy Bangla Brigade" on Zoom.
Of the 286 accused, 259, including Sheikh Hasina, remain absconding and are being tried in absentia. On October 14, 2025, the court ordered publication of notices in newspapers directing the fugitives to appear before it.
Apart from Sheikh Hasina, other prominent accused include former lawmaker Sabina Akhter Tuhin, US unit Awami League Vice-President Dr Rabbi Alam, Joy Bangla Brigade member Kabirul Islam, Advocate Kamrul Islam, Elahi Newaz Masum, Zakir Hossain Jiku, Professor Taheruzzaman, AKM Akhtaruzzaman, Ajida Parveen Pakhi, Advocate AFM Didarul Islam, Maksudur Rahman, former lawmaker Syeda Rubina Akter, former MP Pankaj Nath, Laila Banu, Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, Ritu Akter, Nurunnabi Nibir, Sabina Begum and Shariful Islam Ramzan.
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 December 19, 2024.
Hasina allegedly made anti-state remarks and instructed efforts to oust the then chief advisor Muhammad Yunus.
