Aug 21 grenade attack: Hanif seeks acquittal

The defence today sought acquittal of Md Hanif in cases filed over the August 21 grenade attack on Awami League rally back in 2004 saying charges were not proved.

State-appointed lawyer Chaitanya Chandra Halder today argued for Hanif, owner of Hanif Paribahan, for an hour, arguing that the charges against his client was not proved.

After he closed arguments, Judge Shahed Nuruddin of the Speedy Trial Tribunal-1 called it a day and set January 9 for next hearing in the case for placing defence argument of other accused.

Of the 49 accused, eight, including three former inspector generals of police, are now on bail, while 18, including BNP senior vice-chairman Tarique Rahman, have been absconding.

Twenty-four leaders and activists of the Awami League and its associate bodies were killed and over 300 others suffered injuries in the attack. Ivy Rahman, the then Mohila AL president and also the wife of late president Zillur Rahman, was among the deceased.