ZCZC
BSS-27
ARGUMENTS-ATTACK-GRENADE
Aug 21 grenade attack first of its kind in subcontinent: Prosecution
DHAKA, Dec 19, 2017 (BSS) – Prosecution in their closing arguments in
August 21, 2004, grenade attack case today said war-grade weapons were threw
at a democratic rally which was the first of its kind attack in the
subcontinent.
“They used Arges grenade in this regard. Their main target of the attack
was to eliminate the top leadership of Awami League including its president
Sheikh Hasina. The total conspiracy was hatched at Hawa Bhaban and official
residences of Lutfuzzaman Babar and Abdus Salam Pintu,” chief prosecutor Syed
Rezaur Rahman told the court in his closing arguments for the 22nd day.
Today the prosecution placed arguments on the depositions of prosecution
witnesses Advocate Sahara Khatun, Suranjit Sengupta, Kazi Zafarullah and
Nazmul Hasan Papan, son of Awami League leader Ivy Rahman who was killed in
the barbaric attack.
Former Minister for Home Affairs Advocate Sahara Khatun in her deposition
implicated the then deputy minister Abdus Salam Pintu, BNP lawmaker Shah
Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad and Haris Chowdhury, former political adviser of
BNP chairperson, among others.
“The then BNP-Jamaat government made fun when Awami League pleaded to
arrange proper security for its president Sheikh Hasina. They didn’t arrange
security for the rally, instead charged baton on the crowd. It became evident
that their aim was to ensure safe escape of the attackers,” the prosecution
said, quoting Advocate Khatun.
Judge Shahed Nur Uddin of Dhaka 1st speedy trial tribunal adjourned the
hearing till tomorrow.
The prosecution in their earlier arguments had said a total of five local
and foreign militant outfits were involved in the barbaric attack, killing 24
leaders and activists of Bangladesh Awami League.
“Harkat-ul Jihad-al Islami Bangladesh (HuJI-B), Kashmir-based separatist
organization Hizb-ul Mujahideen, Tehrik Jihad-e Islam, Lashkar-e Tyaba and
Myanmar-based Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) were involved in the
monstrous attack,” the chief prosecutor said.
“Apart from these groups, Pakistan intelligence agency ISI and then BNP-
Jamaat alliance government orchestrated the attack. The then government used
Ministry of Home Affairs, DGFI, NSI and Bangladesh Police in executing the
conspiracy,” he added.
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 500 others were injured.
Earlier, the senior jurist in his arguments had said a total of 12 accused
have given confessional statement under section 164. Of those accused, HuJI
leader Mufti Abdul Hannan had given two confessional statements.
A total of 225 prosecution witnesses testified in the case, while 20
witnesses were produced by the defence.
BSS/DA/MHR/RY/1805 hrs