Aug 21 Attack Cases: Paper books for HC hearing to be published soon

Authorities concerned have finalised preparation for paper books of the sensational August 21 grenade attack cases for the High Court’s hearing on the death reference and appeals in the case. At least 24 people were killed and around 300 injured in the grisly attack on an Awami League rally on the capital’s Bangabandhu Avenue on August 21, 2004.

The Bangladesh Government Press will publish copies of the paper books very soon, and then the government will take necessary step for hearing on the cases, Law Minister Anisul Huq told The Daily Star yesterday.

A paper book contains all the details of a case, trial proceedings, statements, evidence, orders, verdict and other relevant documents. The book is necessary for the HC to hear and dispose of a death reference or an appeal.

“The paper books of the August 21 grenade attack cases are now going (from the HC) to the Bangladesh Government Press for their publication. After the copies of the paper books are readied, I will instruct the attorney general’s office to take necessary steps before the High Court to fix a date for hearing of the death references of the case,” the law minister said.

The death references on August 21 grenade attack cases reached the HC on November 27 last year for examination of the trial court’s November 10 verdict -- that sentenced 19 persons including former state minister and BNP leader Lutfozzaman Babar to death. Nineteen others, including BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, were given life imprisonment.

According to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), if a lower court orders death penalty, the verdict is examined by the HC for confirmation of the punishment.

Sheikh Hasina, the then opposition leader in parliament, narrowly escaped the attack with an ear injury.

The grenade attack, masterminded by some BNP leaders, is one of the most shocking political crimes in the country’s history.