Sheikh Hasina Declared Fugitive by Bangladesh CID in Sedition Case

• Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has declared former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a fugitive in a major sedition case linked to the online platform “Joy Bangla Brigade.” Now living in exile in India after being ousted in August 2024, Hasina faces allegations of orchestrating anti-state activities from abroad. The CID’s move follows formal approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs under Section 196 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) , which mandates government consent before any sedition proceedings.

Investigation and Allegations

• The case stems from alleged efforts to destabilise the interim government through the “Joy Bangla Brigade,” a digital network accused of spreading propaganda supporting the Awami League’s political ideology and Hasina’s leadership. Investigators claim that online discussions, digital communications, and server data revealed coordinated plans to undermine the authority of the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus.
• The CID’s final chargesheet names 286 accused , including Hasina and several senior Awami League figures. Forensic analysis reportedly found content portraying Dr Yunus as linked to extremism, which officials described as “incitement to sedition.”

Court Declaration and Notice

• The Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court-17 , led by Judge Ariful Islam , declared Hasina and 260 others absconding after repeated non-appearance. The court ordered the CID to publish fugitive notices in national newspapers. The notice, signed by CID Special Superintendent (Media) Jasim Uddin Khan , appeared in The Daily Star and Amar Desh in both Bengali and English.

Parallel Trial and Broader Context

• In a separate case, the International Crimes Tribunal has concluded hearings against Hasina for alleged crimes against humanity during her administration. The verdict is scheduled for 13 November 2025 . Charges include torture, enforced disappearances, and abuse of power during the Awami League’s rule, particularly during the 2024 student-led uprising that forced her removal.

Exam-Oriented Facts

• Section 196 CrPC: Government approval required for sedition cases.

• Tenure: Sheikh Hasina served as Prime Minister from 2009 to August 2024.

• “Joy Bangla Brigade”: Digital platform linked to Awami League loyalists.

• Court: Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court-17, Judge Ariful Islam.

• Interim Government: Led by Dr Muhammad Yunus.