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Dhaka, May 28, 2025 : The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, has deferred the hearing of the state’s appeal against the acquittal of all accused in the 21 August grenade attack case until June 1, 2025. The decision was made on Wednesday by a seven-member bench.
Previously, on December 1, 2024, the High Court acquitted all accused, including BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, in the cases filed under the murder and explosives laws related to the 2004 grenade attack. On March 19, 2025, the state filed an appeal challenging the High Court’s verdict. Defense lawyers expressed optimism that the Appellate Division would uphold the High Court’s decision.
The infamous grenade attack took place on August 21, 2004, during a rally led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Bangabandhu Avenue. The attack claimed the lives of 24 Awami League leaders and activists.
Following the incident, two cases were filed under the murder and explosives laws. In 2018, the trial court delivered its verdict, sentencing 19 individuals, including former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfuzzaman Babar and former Deputy Minister for Education Abdus Salam Pintu, to death. Additionally, 19 others, including Tarique Rahman, were sentenced to life imprisonment, while 11 others received various terms of imprisonment and fines.
AI/MR
