Bangladesh CID labels Sheikh Hasina and 260 others as fugitives

Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has declared ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 260 others fugitives in a sedition case linked to the pro-Hasina online platform “Joy Bangla Brigade”.

The notice, issued in both English and Bengali on Friday, was signed by CID Special Superintendent (Media) Jasim Uddin Khan and published in two national newspapers - The Daily Star and Amar Desh . It followed an order from the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court and the approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs under Section 196 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

Details of the CID notice: The CID notice stated that Sheikh Hasina, along with 260 others, has been declared fugitives in a sedition case and directed them to appear before the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court within a specified time frame. It further warned that failure to do so would result in the seizure of their assets and properties as per legal provisions. The notice also included photographs and identification details of several accused persons and urged the public to share information regarding their whereabouts with the nearest police station or CID office.

According to the CID, the sedition investigation revealed evidence of conspiratorial activities both within Bangladesh and abroad through the online platform “Joy Bangla Brigade.” The group allegedly sought to destabilize and overthrow the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

The “Joy Bangla Brigade,” through its online posts, has described itself as a platform devoted to preserving Sheikh Hasina’s political vision and the legacy of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. On its website, the group accused Yunus of being a “meticulous designer and killer” and the “father of mob justice” who has allegedly supported terrorism and extremism in Bangladesh.

Following a forensic analysis of digital data obtained from servers and social media accounts, the CID filed a chargesheet against 286 individuals, including Hasina. On Thursday, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court-17 Judge Ariful Islam officially declared Hasina and 260 others absconding and ordered the publication of the notice in newspapers to ensure public dissemination.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has concluded its trial proceedings against Hasina in a separate case involving alleged crimes against humanity, with the verdict expected on November 13.

Hasina, who was forced from power following a student-led uprising in August 2024, faces allegations of abductions, torture, and enforced disappearances during her Awami League regime. She fled Bangladesh soon after her government’s collapse, paving the way for Yunus to take charge as head of the interim government.