Background of the Attack
The 2004 grenade attack attacked a rally of the Awami League in Dhaka, killing over 20 people and injuring scores. The rally was led by Sheikh Hasina, the then-opposition leader, who barely escaped the explosion.
High Court Decision
On Sunday, Bangladesh’s High Court quashed the convictions of Tarique Rahman, son of Khaleda Zia, and 48 others. The court declared the convictions invalid because of procedural flaws in the original trial. Rahman has been living in exile in London for more than 15 years and was tried in absentia.
BNP’s Denial and Allegations
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, under the leadership of Khaleda Zia, rejected involvement in the attack and accused Sheikh Hasina’s government of political interference in the trial. Defense lawyers pointed out that none of the 225 witnesses testified against the accused about grenade-hurling or conspiracy.
Controversy Over Investigation
Defense lawyers argued that the confessional statements were coerced into the persons. They complained that investigators fabricated evidence while under political pressure to connect Rahman and other BNP leaders. Even the original investigations that took place during Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s term were also widely criticized for obstruction.
Political Involvement
The judgment has been viewed as a landmark decision for the return of Tarique Rahman into Bangladesh, to lead the BNP in the near future. This will change the political game in the country, if he returns.
Justice for the Victims
Survivors and victims’ families were disappointed with the verdict. A key witness, Rafiqul Islam, said that there was no accountability and that justice was needed for those who were killed and injured in the attack.
The verdict has sparked debates over the role of the judiciary, the integrity of the investigation, and the broader political consequences for Bangladesh ahead of elections.
