Dhaka, July 15 (V7N) – The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, has set July 17 for hearing the state's appeal against the High Court verdict that acquitted all accused in the August 21 grenade attack cases, including BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman.
The order was issued Tuesday (July 15), marking a crucial development in one of the most politically and nationally significant cases in Bangladesh's history.
Earlier, on December 1, 2024, the High Court acquitted all accused in two separate cases filed under murder and explosives acts stemming from the 2004 attack. In response, the state filed a leave to appeal on March 19, which was accepted, though no stay was issued on the acquittals at that time.
Background of the August 21 Attack
On August 21, 2004, grenades were hurled at a rally of then opposition leader and current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Bangabandhu Avenue. The attack killed 24 people, including Ivy Rahman, the Awami League's Women Affairs Secretary, and injured hundreds more—many of whom continue to live with permanent injuries or disabilities.
Lower Court Verdict in 2018
In 2018, a trial court handed down a landmark verdict:
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Death penalty for 19 people, including:
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Former State Minister Lutfuzzaman Babar
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Former Deputy Minister Abdus Salam Pintu
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Several former intelligence officers and militants
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Life imprisonment for 19 others, including:
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BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman (absconding)
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Senior BNP leader Haris Chowdhury (absconding)
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Various prison terms and fines for 11 more individuals
Implications
This hearing comes at a politically sensitive time and will be closely watched nationwide. Victims’ families and ruling party leaders have long demanded justice and expressed outrage at the High Court’s acquittals. On the other hand, the BNP has consistently labeled the case as “politically motivated.”
The outcome of the upcoming hearing may have significant political, judicial, and electoral ramifications.
END/RH/AJ
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