ZCZC
BSS-29
REACTION-HOME-VERDICT
Fugitive convicts to be brought back soon: Home Minister
DHAKA, Oct 10, 2018 (BSS) – Expressing satisfaction over the verdict of
August 21, 2004 grenade attack case, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said
fugitive convicts would be brought back soon.
He said, “I am satisfied with the verdict as the court has given
punishment to perpetrators of the attack,” he told newsmen at his secretariat
office soon after the pronouncement of the verdict.
The government would bring back fugitive convicts to execute the verdict
of the court, the minister said.
Khan said with the verdict of the August 21 grenade attack case, the
government removed stigma from the nation.
The Awami League government also removed stigma from the nation with the
verdict of August 15, 1975, case as anit-liberation forces killed Father of
the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with most of his family members.
The minister also said the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh
Hasina has established the rule of law by ensuring justice in all the cases.
Replying to a question, the minister said judges have given the verdict
considering all the ground of the case. But the prosecution can go for appeal
if they want.
The court sentenced to death to 19 people including former junior home
minister Lutfuzzaman Babar and life imprisonment to another 19 including ex-
premier Khaleda Zia’s fugitive son Tarique Rahman on August 21, 2004 grenade
attack charge. Eleven more accused were given jail for different terms.
Khan said all the accused were involved in August 21, 2004 grenade attack
as the court considering all the documents, witnesses and investigation
announced the verdict.
A total of 24 AL leaders and workers including the then Mohila Awami
League President and wife of late President Zillur Rahman, Ivy Rahman, were
killed and over 500 others were injured in the monstrous attack taken place
on August 21, 2004.
BSS/ASG/SAS/RY/1710 hrs