The High Court (HC) today (December 1)  acquitted all the accused in the August 21 grenade attack cases including BNP acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman and former state minister Lutfozzaman Babar.

The HC bench, led by Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Syed Enayetur Rahman, delivered the verdict.

Later, lawyer Shishir Monir said that the trial was illegal as it was not conducted in accordance with the law. 

He also said the court found no evidence of collaboration between witnesses and based the sentence solely on the testimonies presented. Consequently, the death reference was dismissed after all appeals were reviewed, resulting in the acquittal of all accused, including Tarique Rahman and Lutfuzzaman Babar.

When asked if the court made any observations, he explained that the court noted the absence of eyewitness accounts in the case. Additionally, it observed that the confessional statements used as evidence were obtained under pressure and through torture.

On November 21, the HC was set to deliver its verdict any day on the death references and appeals of the August 21 grenade attack cases.

On October 11, 2018, a speedy trial tribunal sentenced 19 people including former state minister for home Lutfuzzaman Babor to death over the 21 August grenade attack over Awami League rally in the capital in 2004.

The court also sentenced 19 others to life over the cases.

Among convicted individuals, 18 remain at large, while 31 are currently in custody.

BDST: 1217 HRS, DEC 01, 2024
MN/SMS