Security for Aug 21 rally was inadequate
The security adviser to the prime minister yesterday told a Dhaka court that the security measures taken for the Awami League rally on Bangabandhu Avenue on August 21 in 2004 were inadequate.
Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, then chief security person of AL President Sheikh Hasina, also told the court that there was not even a policeman in sight when the grenade attacks were carried out on the rally.
“There was a huge security lapse on the part of the then government for ensuring safety to the then Opposition Leader Sheikh Hasina”, said Tarique.
Around 5:00pm on August 21 in 2004, several grenades exploded on the rally site when Hasina was about to conclude her speech against terrorist activities of the then government.
The attack left 24 people dead and hundreds injured. Ivy Rahman, wife of late President Zillur Rahman, was among the dead.
In his statement given to the Speedy Trial Tribunal-1 of Dhaka, Tarique said he along with several other security personnel of Hasina was at the rally.
Judge Shahed Nuruddin of the tribunal recorded his statement and later lawyers cross-examined the witness. The tribunal then fixed June 30 and July 1 for the next hearing.
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