Aug 21 grenade attack: Defence begins closing arguments

Defence counsel today started closing arguments in the cases filed over August 21 Grenade attack on Awami League rally in 2004 in which 24 people were killed and scores were injured.

Chaitanya Chandra Halder, state-appointed defence counsel for fugitive accused MD Hanif, placed arguments citing several documents.

Later, the Speedy Trial Tribunal -1 adjourned the case proceeding till tomorrow when defence counsel will resume arguments.

Currently, 49 people stand indicted, including BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s elder son and BNP Senior Vice President Tarique Rahman, in two cases of murder and blasts over the grenade attack.

Twenty-four leaders and activists of the AL and its associate bodies were killed and over 300 others suffered splinter injuries in the August 21 attack. Among the dead was Ivy Rahman, then Mohila AL president and also the wife of late president Zillur Rahman.

Many of the injured became crippled for life. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, then opposition leader, narrowly escaped the attack with ear injuries.

Eight of the accused, including three former IGPs, are now on bail while 18 including Tarique are absconding. Twenty-three, including Lutfozzaman Babar and Abdus Salam Pintu, are now behind bars.