Aug 21 grenade attack: Highest penalty sought for Tarique, other accused

The prosecution has sought the highest punishment of BNP’s Senior Vice President Tarique Rahman and all other accused in the cases filed over August 21 grenade attack on Awami League rally that killed 24 people in 2004.

Syed Rezaur Rahman, chief prosecutor of the case, placed the prayer while wrapping up the prosecution argument at Speedy Tribunal-1 in Dhaka this afternoon.

Judge ShahedNuruddin of the Speedy Trial Tribunal-1 of Dhaka set tomorrow for starting the defence argument, which will be led by state-appointed lawyer Chitanya Chandra Halder.

Currently, 49 people stand indicted, including BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s elder son 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.