Verdict Today on the 21 August Grenade Attack Case

The long-standing case concerning the horrific grenade attack of 21 August 2004 reaches a crucial stage today, as the Supreme Court of Bangladesh is set to deliver its verdict on the appeal filed by the State against a High Court judgement.

On Thursday, 4 September, the six-member bench led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed is scheduled to pronounce the ruling. This verdict will decide the fate of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and other accused, who were previously acquitted by the High Court.

Background of the Appeal

• The Supreme Court’s Appellate Division fixed 4 September as the date for the verdict after concluding a five-day hearing on 21 August.
• Representing the State, Deputy Attorney General Abdullah Al Mahmud argued for upholding the trial court’s sentencing, supported by Assistant Attorney Generals Abu Sadat Md. Sayem Bhuiyan and Sadia Afrin.
• For the defence, Senior Advocate S M Shahjahan and Advocate Mohammad Shishir Monir urged dismissal of the State’s appeal, requesting the High Court acquittal be maintained.

Timeline of Hearings

The Attack of 21 August 2004

• Location: Bangabandhu Avenue, Dhaka
• Target: Rally of then Opposition Leader Sheikh Hasina
• Casualties: 24 killed, including senior Awami League leader Ivy Rahman; hundreds injured

The incident remains one of the deadliest political attacks in Bangladesh’s history, drawing widespread condemnation.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

1. Initial Investigation (2004–2006)
   • Case filed at Motijheel Police Station.
   • Investigation faced widespread controversy and allegations of manipulation.
2. Fresh Probe (2007–2008)
   • After the political change of 1/11 (January 2007), the caretaker government ordered a reinvestigation by the CID.
   • CID filed a charge sheet in 2008 against 22 accused.
3. Further Investigation (2009)
   • Under the Awami League government, supplementary charge sheets were filed.
   • BNP’s Tarique Rahman and 30 others were included as accused.
4. Trial Court Verdict (2018)
   • On 10 October 2018, Speedy Trial Tribunal-1, Dhaka delivered its judgement:

1. High Court Verdict (2023)
   • On 1 December 2023, the High Court overturned the trial court verdict.
   • All accused, including Tarique Rahman, were acquitted.
2. Supreme Court Observation
   • The full verdict published on 19 December 2023 acknowledged the massacre as a “heinous and tragic incident”.
   • It noted the lack of a proper, impartial investigation, stressing the need for a fresh probe by specialised agencies.
   • The Court suggested that the case be forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs for necessary action.

The verdict to be delivered today will determine whether the earlier acquittal stands or if the trial court’s sentencing is restored. This decision carries immense political and judicial significance, given the attack’s historical weight and its impact on Bangladesh’s political landscape.