Khondakar Md Ahsan Habib
On the fateful day of 21 August 2004, the streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh, bore witness to a ruthless act of political violence that would forever change the course of the nation’s history. What was meant to be a peaceful rally by the opposition Awami League, led by the then-opposition leader Sheikh Hasina, turned into a bloodbath when grenades were hurled into the crowd, targeting Hasina herself. Twenty-four people died, and over 300 were injured, with many losing their limbs and forever carrying the scars of that horrifying day. The attack was an attempt to silence political dissent and crush the democratic spirit of Bangladesh. Little did anyone know that, years later, the country would face an even more troubling and heart-wrenching betrayal—a betrayal not by the terrorists who masterminded the attack but by the very judicial system that was meant to bring them to justice.
The 21 August grenade attack was no random act of violence—it was a calculated, coordinated attempt to erase the opposition leader from the political landscape of Bangladesh. The plot was reportedly orchestrated by political figures from the then-ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) with the help of extremist elements. Key figures like Mufti Abdul Hannan, the leader of the militant group Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI), and Tarique Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, were implicated in the planning and execution of the attack. The bombers’ goal was clear: to obliterate the opposition’s political future and destabilize the government’s opponents.
The evidence that followed was overwhelming. Testimonies, confessions, and forensic analyses all pointed to the involvement of high-ranking officials in the conspiracy. Mufti Hannan, after his arrest, confessed to the police that he had played a central role in the bombing. Tarique Rahman, despite his exile in the UK, was sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in orchestrating the attack. Many others from the ruling government at the time, including Lutfozzaman Babar, the then-State Minister for Home Affairs, were also convicted for their roles in providing logistical support to the attackers. It seemed that justice was finally on the horizon for the victims, many of whom were left scarred not only physically but emotionally as well.
For years, the families of the victims, along with the Awami League, fought tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrators were held accountable for this senseless act of violence. In 2018, after years of legal battles, the court delivered its verdict, convicting 49 individuals, some of whom were sentenced to death. This was hailed as a victory for justice, as it sent a strong message that political violence and terrorism would not be tolerated in Bangladesh. It was a moment of reckoning for the perpetrators and a glimmer of hope for the victims and their families, who had long awaited justice for the 2004 attack.
However, the hopes of justice were cruelly dashed in December 2024 when the Bangladesh High Court suddenly overturned the convictions of several key accused in the grenade attack case. This included individuals who had been previously sentenced to death or life imprisonment for their involvement in the attack. The acquittals sent shockwaves through the nation and the international community. For the victims’ families, it was as if their loved ones’ deaths had been erased from the public record. For the Awami League, it felt like a direct attack on the principles of justice, democracy, and political integrity.
The implications of this decision are profound. From a legal perspective, the High Court’s ruling undermines the integrity of Bangladesh’s judicial system. After years of investigation, trials, and overwhelming evidence that linked the accused to the crime, the sudden reversal of convictions calls into question the legitimacy of the entire judicial process. The decision has led many to speculate about political interference in the judiciary, raising fears that powerful individuals or political forces may have influenced the ruling. For many, this verdict represents a failure to uphold the rule of law and a dangerous precedent for the future of justice in Bangladesh.
The acquittal also sends a dangerous message about political violence and terrorism in Bangladesh. The 21 August attack was a brazen act of terrorism, one aimed at wiping out political opposition and destabilizing the democratic process. By overturning the convictions of those accused of carrying out this attack, the judiciary is essentially sending the message that there are no real consequences for political violence. This could encourage other political actors, extremist groups, or individuals seeking to achieve their goals through terror and violence. It threatens to weaken the rule of law in Bangladesh and further destabilize the country’s fragile political system.
For the families of the victims, this decision is nothing short of a betrayal. The 24 lives lost in that horrific attack, along with the hundreds of others who were injured, will now feel as if they have been forgotten. For the survivors, many of whom still carry the physical and emotional scars of that day, this ruling is a painful reminder that justice can be elusive, especially when powerful forces are involved. The families’ hopes of seeing the perpetrators brought to justice have been crushed, and the scars of the past have been reopened, with no sense of closure in sight.
However, the consequences of this ruling are not confined to Bangladesh alone. International human rights organizations must take initiative over the decision, as it raises serious questions about the country’s commitment to upholding its obligations under international law. The acquittal of those involved in the grenade attack runs counter to Bangladesh’s legal obligations to prosecute acts of terrorism and political violence. If Bangladesh is to be taken seriously on the global stage as a nation committed to democracy, human rights, and justice, this ruling must be addressed. The international community must not turn a blind eye to what is being seen as a severe miscarriage of justice, which could have far-reaching implications for the future of democracy in Bangladesh and beyond.
The acquittals also highlight the deep divisions that continue to exist within Bangladesh’s political system. The ruling party, Awami League, and the opposition BNP have long been embroiled in a bitter power struggle. The 21 August grenade attack was a dark moment in this rivalry, one that exposed the lengths to which some individuals would go to ensure their political survival. But this ruling is more than just a political issue; it is a matter of principle. It raises fundamental questions about the sanctity of life, the pursuit of justice, and the protection of democratic values. If political violence is allowed to go unpunished, what message does that send to the people of Bangladesh? What hope is there for the future of democracy?
This is a story of betrayal, lives lost and futures stolen, but it is also a story of resilience. The victims and their families, despite the setback, continue to demand justice. Civil society groups, human rights organizations, and the international community must rally to ensure this case is not forgotten. The battle for justice is far from over. The legal system in Bangladesh must be reformed and strengthened to ensure that future acts of political violence are met with the full force of the law.
This ruling is a reminder for Bangladesh that fighting for justice and democracy is never easy. It is a struggle that requires the commitment of every individual and every societal institution. The people of Bangladesh must remain vigilant and persistent in their quest for justice. The memory of those who lost their lives on 21 August 2004 must not be allowed to fade into the darkness of history. It is only by holding those responsible for this horrific act accountable that the country can begin to heal and move forward.
As we reflect on the legacy of the 21 August grenade attack, let us not forget that the real victims are the families who lost their loved ones and the survivors who continue to bear the emotional and physical scars. Their fight for justice is our fight for a better, more just Bangladesh. The struggle for democracy, truth, and justice must continue—until the day when those responsible for this tragic act are finally held to account and the promise of a better, more democratic Bangladesh is fulfilled.
Writer, Former Student, University of Dhaka and former Vice President and Deputy Science Affairs Secretary, BSL Central Committee.