A Dhaka court on Wednesday set February 9 for the next hearing on charge framing in a sedition case filed against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others over alleged anti-state activities.

The order was issued by Special Judge’s Court-9 Judge Abdus Salam after a partial hearing on charge framing. The case involves allegations that the accused participated in a Zoom meeting of the so-called “Joy Bangla Brigade”, during which calls were allegedly made to overthrow the interim government.

According to the court sources, 30 accused currently in jail, including five women and 25 men, were produced before the court. Defence lawyers sought their discharge, while state prosecutor Omar Faruq Faruqi argued in favour of framing charges. As hearings for all accused could not be completed, the court fixed the next date.

The case was filed on March 27 last year by CID Assistant Superintendent of Police Md Enamul Haque, initially naming 73 accused. Following investigation, a charge sheet was submitted on July 30, expanding the number of accused to 286. The court took cognisance on August 14 and issued arrest warrants, while travel bans were imposed on September 11.

On October 14, the court ordered newspaper authorities for publishing notices for 256 absconding accused to appear. The case was transferred from the CMM court to the Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court on November 11 after being deemed ready for trial.