The Criminal Investigation Department of Bangladesh has declared former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 260 others as fugitives in a sedition case connected to the "Joy Bangla Brigade" platform, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune.

According to the report, the notice was issued in both English and Bengali on Friday. It was signed by CID Special Superintendent of Media Jasim Uddin Khan and released after an order from the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court.

The notice was published in two leading newspapers of Bangladesh, The Daily Star and Amar Desh.

The CID launched the sedition investigation with approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs under Section 196 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The probe reportedly uncovered evidence of conspiracies carried out within Bangladesh and abroad through the online platform "Joy Bangla Brigade", which was allegedly involved in attempts to overthrow the lawful government.

The platform describes itself as a supporter of Sheikh Hasina and of the legacy and leadership of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

On its website, the brigade claimed it was seeking support from "the world to know that Dr Yunus [the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh interim government] is a meticulous Designer and a Killer and father of Mob Justice who aided and bided Terrorism and Extremism in Bangladesh."

After completing the investigation, which included forensic analysis of digital data from servers and social media, the CID submitted a chargesheet against 286 people, including Sheikh Hasina.

On Thursday, Judge Ariful Islam of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court-17 declared Sheikh Hasina and 260 others absconding and ordered the publication of the notice, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune.

Meanwhile, the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh has completed the trial proceedings against Sheikh Hasina for alleged crimes against humanity and will announce its verdict on November 13.

The former Prime Minister is accused of involvement in torture and disappearances during the Awami League rule. She fled the country after a student-led uprising in August 2024 that forced her out of power. After her exit, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took charge as the head of the interim government.