‘Joy Bangla Brigade’ sedition case transferred to speedy trial

A Dhaka court has ordered an expedited trial in a sedition case filed over a virtual meeting of the group “Joy Bangla Brigade" and transferred the proceedings to another court to ensure timely disposal.

Judge Abdus Salam of Special Judge’s Court-9 issued the order on Feb 23, sending the case to the court of Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Moin Uddin Chowdhury. Although the case appeared on the new court’s cause list on Monday, no hearing took place. The next hearing for charge framing has been set for March 9, according to court official Golam Nabi.

The case alleges that during a Dec 19, 2024 Zoom meeting organised by US Awami League Vice-President Rabbi Alam, ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina called on supporters to topple the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus and made anti-state remarks. Authorities say the video circulated widely on social media, triggering nationwide reactions.

A total of 286 people have been charged, with 255 listed as absconding. Court records state that Hasina has been in India since Aug 5, 2024. Thirty accused, including Sabina Akter Tuhin and several local political activists, are currently in custody.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) initially filed the case on March 27 last year against 73 individuals and later submitted a charge sheet on July 30 naming 286 accused. Arrest warrants were issued on Aug 14 for fugitives, followed by travel bans on Sept 11.

The court has instructed that proceedings move forward within a set timeframe to complete the trial. 

MAL/AM