The grenade attack on 21 August 2004 aimed to wipe out the entire leadership of the Awami League, leaving a dark stain on Bangladesh’s history. Despite 24 people dying and many, including current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, suffering severe injuries, justice remains elusive after nearly two decades. The trial has faced numerous delays, with key figures sentenced but appeals still pending. Survivors continue to carry the physical and emotional scars, highlighting the enduring impact of this tragic event. As the nation awaits final justice, the haunting memory of that day serves as a grim reminder of the horrors that must never be repeated.
Even after 19 years, justice has yet to be fully served for this atrocious act.
The attack killed 24 people, many of them instantly. One of the most heart-wrenching stories is of Ivy Rahman, the AL Women Affairs Secretary, who lay helpless and bleeding for hours after losing her legs. She died three days later, on August 24.
Sheikh Hasina, the current Prime Minister and then opposition leader, was the main target. She survived, but the blast severely damaged her ears.
On that tragic day, grenades exploded at Bangabandhu Avenue, causing chaos as people scrambled for safety. Hundreds of Awami League members survived, but many still carry shrapnel in their bodies and bear deep emotional scars.
Three cases were filed following the attack. The investigation faced many hurdles, including changes in the investigating officer six times in the first seven years. The initial investigation under the BNP-Jamaat government produced no results.
Finally, during the caretaker government, ASP Fazlul Kabir filed a charge sheet on June 11, 2008, for two cases under the Explosives and Murder Act. Almost 14 years later, on October 10, 2018, the verdict was given.
Nineteen people were sentenced to death, including former state minister for home Lutfuzzaman Babar. Another 19, including BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, received life imprisonment. These individuals collaborated with militant organizations to execute the attack. Fourteen of those sentenced to death were members of the militant group Harkat-ul-Jihad.
Despite the verdict, the process of review hearings and appeals continues. The exact timeline for completing these procedures is still uncertain.
Victims of the attack lay on the ground in agony on that fateful day. Photojournalist Roton Gomes captured the chaos and pain as people rushed to help the injured, including rescuing Awami League leaders Saber Hossain Chowdhury and Obaidul Quader.
Appeals against the High Court’s judgment, including the death sentence approval, are still pending. On December 5, the process for hearing these appeals began with Justice Shahidul Karim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman.
Attorney General AM Amin Uddin stated that the case is nearly ready for the final hearing. Once the senior judge recovers from illness, the hearing will resume, and it is expected to take 10 to 12 working days. The Attorney General plans to appeal for upholding the judgment against all accused, including Tarique Rahman, aiming to complete the hearings by October.
During the investigation, the BNP-Jamaat government interfered, causing delays. The case took a significant turn with the false implication of Joj Mia. Arrested on June 10, 2005, by the CID, he was forced to confess his involvement under duress. Later, in 2007, the caretaker government re-investigated, leading to the correct charge sheet and Joj Mia’s release in 2008.
