Hasina, 73 others face sedition case over toppling interim govt plot
A sedition case has been filed against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 73 others, including top leaders of the Bangladesh Awami League, over allegations of plotting a civil war and conspiring to overthrow the interim government.
The case was filed with the approval of the Home Ministry, and the court has ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the police to investigate the matter.
CID Special Superintendent of Police (Media) Jasim Uddin Khan disclosed this information on Thursday night (March 27). He stated that the charges stemmed from an online meeting hosted on a platform called the 'Joy Bangla Brigade,' where participants allegedly planned a civil war and discussed strategies to reinstate Sheikh Hasina to power through violent means.
According to the complaint, the Zoom meeting took place on December 19 last year, during which participants expressed their determination to form the 'Joy Bangla Brigade' and vowed to fight "until their last breath" to restore Sheikh Hasina's leadership. The meeting reportedly involved 577 participants from various parts of Bangladesh and abroad, who agreed to follow all instructions issued by Sheikh Hasina.
Dr Rabbi Alam, Vice President of the US Awami League, was identified as the second accused in the case. He allegedly hosted the meeting, during which voice records revealed discussions about obstructing the current government’s peaceful functioning.
Participants reportedly conspired to declare a civil war to destabilize the interim government and reinstall Sheikh Hasina as prime minister.
The CID official stated that the evidence pointed to clear elements of treason and sedition. Based on the findings, the case was formally filed in court with the approval of the Home Ministry.
The court has since taken cognisance of the case and directed the CID to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations.
In addition to Sheikh Hasina and Dr Rabbi Alam, 72 others have been named as accused, while 503 other participants in the online meeting have also been charged for their alleged involvement in the conspiracy.
The complaint further alleges that the 'Joy Bangla Brigade' meeting was part of a broader effort to prevent the interim government from running the country peacefully.
Hosted in the United States, the meeting included discussions between Sheikh Hasina, the host, co-host, and participating leaders and activists. Voice recordings reviewed during the investigation revealed plans to incite unrest and destabilize the nation through acts of civil disobedience and violence.
The charges highlight the gravity of the alleged offense, with authorities accusing the accused of engaging in activities tantamount to treason. The interim government has taken a firm stance against any attempts to undermine its legitimacy or disrupt the transition process.
The CID has been tasked with investigating the extent of the conspiracy and identifying individuals actively involved in the alleged plot. Authorities are expected to examine communication records, financial transactions, and other relevant evidence to build a comprehensive case.
