Arrest warrants issued against Hasina, 285 others over online ‘anti-state activities’

Court orders report by Sept 11 on whether the accused have been arrested

A Dhaka court has issued arrest warrants against 286 people, including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, in a case over alleged anti-state activities carried out during an online meeting.

The order came on Thursday after Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam accepted a police report submitted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The judge issued the warrants as all accused were shown as fugitives, and fixed Sept 11 for an update on whether they have been arrested.

The charges stem from a Zoom session held by a group called "Joy Bangla Brigade", where the accused allegedly discussed plans to overthrow the interim government.

CID Assistant Superintendent Md Enamul Haque, who is with the Cyber Investigation and Operations unit, submitted the report naming 286 individuals.

The court took the findings into account before proceeding with the warrant order.

Court bench assistant Md Jahangir later briefed the media on the development.