Sheikh Hasina Declared Fugitive by Bangladesh CID in Sedition Case

Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has officially declared former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a fugitive in connection with a sedition case involving the “Joy Bangla Brigade” platform. Currently exiled in India, Hasina faces serious allegations of orchestrating activities against the Bangladeshi state from abroad, according to reports published by the Dhaka Tribune.

Approval and Launch of Sedition Probe

The CID launched the investigation after receiving approval from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs under Section 196 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The probe, centred on the “Joy Bangla Brigade” digital network, uncovered alleged conspiracies to destabilise the government both within Bangladesh and internationally. Authorities claim that the platform acted as a propaganda tool promoting Hasina’s leadership and the political ideology of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Court Declaration and Notice Publication

Following a comprehensive investigation, the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court-17, presided over by Judge Ariful Islam, declared Sheikh Hasina and 260 others absconding. The court directed the CID to publish a fugitive notice 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.

Charges and Findings of the Investigation

CID officials reported that forensic analysis of digital communications, social media posts, and server data revealed coordinated efforts to incite sedition and undermine the interim government. The final chargesheet, submitted against 286 individuals including Hasina, alleged that the accused had attempted to delegitimise the authority of the current administration led by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus. The “Joy Bangla Brigade” was also accused of disseminating inflammatory material portraying Dr Yunus as complicit in terrorism and extremism.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Section 196 of Bangladesh’s CrPC requires government approval to initiate sedition proceedings.
• Sheikh Hasina served as Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 2009 until her ouster in August 2024.
• The “Joy Bangla Brigade” is an online group supporting the Awami League’s political legacy.
• Dr Muhammad Yunus currently leads Bangladesh’s interim government after the 2024 uprising.

Parallel Trial for Crimes Against Humanity

In a separate case, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has concluded its trial against Sheikh Hasina for alleged crimes against humanity during her administration. The verdict is expected on 13 November. The charges include torture and enforced disappearances during the Awami League regime, events that contributed to her exile following the 2024 student-led movement that toppled her government.