Deepanwita Martin
The High Court has acquitted all accused, including BNP’s Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman and former State Minister for Home Lutfozzaman Babar, in the widely debated August 21 grenade attack case. The attack, which targeted an anti-terrorism rally by the Awami League on Dhaka’s Bangabandhu Avenue 20 years ago, killed 24 people and injured hundreds.
The verdict was delivered on Sunday by a High Court bench comprising Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Syed Enayetur Rahman, following appeals filed by the accused and a review of the death references.
Lower Court Sentences Overturned
In 2018, the Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal-1 had sentenced 19 people, including Lutfozzaman Babar, to death and handed life imprisonment to 19 others, including Tarique Rahman. Additionally, 11 police and army officers received varying prison terms for their roles in the attack.
However, the High Court overturned the lower court’s decision, granting appeals for all accused and dismissing the death references. The ruling also acquitted those who had not appealed.
Invalid Charges Cited by the Court
In its observations, the High Court declared the supplementary charges based on the confessional statement of Mufti Abdul Hannan, a key witness, to be invalid and illegal.
Attack’s Impact and Historical Context
The August 21, 2004 grenade attack targeted a rally led by Sheikh Hasina, then the Leader of the Opposition and President of the Awami League. At the time, Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the BNP, served as Prime Minister. The attack aimed to assassinate Hasina, leaving 24 dead and hundreds injured, sparking international condemnation.
Initial Ruling and Observations
In the original 2018 verdict, the trial court called the attack a “calculated and heinous attempt” orchestrated with state support to “render the opposition leaderless.” Judge Shahed Noor Uddin remarked that while political disputes between ruling and opposition parties are natural, such efforts to eliminate opposition leadership are unacceptable.
Defense’s Reaction
After the High Court’s acquittal, BNP leader and defense lawyer Kaiser Kamal argued that the supplementary charge sheet, which included Tarique Rahman’s name, was politically motivated under the Awami League government. He welcomed the court’s decision, stating that “justice has been served” and the charges lacked legal basis.
Criticism of the Justice System
The ruling has drawn sharp criticism, with observers questioning the integrity of Bangladesh’s justice system under the current government, which is supported by BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Critics argue that the decision reflects the growing influence of political motives over judicial processes, highlighting concerns about systemic corruption and injustice.