August 21 grenade attack cases: SC to deliver verdict on appeals today

The Supreme Court is set to deliver its verdict today (Thursday) on the state’s appeal against the High Court’s acquittal of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman and other accused in the August 21 grenade attack case. A six-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, will announce the decision.

Tarique Rahman’s lawyer expressed hope for a fair judgment. Meanwhile, the defense lawyer for Lutfozzaman Babar alleged that the investigation was politically influenced, which diverted the case from its true course.

On January 12 this year, the High Court acquitted all accused in the case, including Tarique Rahman and Lutfozzaman Babar. The state subsequently filed an appeal challenging this verdict.

The appeal hearing began on July 17 with the presentation of the state’s evidence, followed by hearings on July 31, August 19, and August 20. The final hearing was held on August 21.

The grenade attack took place on August 21, 2004, during a rally organized by then opposition leader Sheikh Hasina at Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka. The attack killed 24 people and injured over 100 others. Following the third phase of the trial, the appeal hearing reached the stage of verdict announcement.