DHAKA: A Dhaka court Thursday rejected the bail petition of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s nephew Saiful Islam Duke in the August 21 grenade-attack case.

Acting justice Ismail Hossain of Metropolitan Session Judges Court issued the order after hearing the bail petition.

Duke’s lawyer Zainul Abedin confirmed the court order to banglanews.

Duke was sent to jail after a four-day remand on August 31.

“Duke is innocent and he wasn’t involved with August 21 grenade-attack. He was included in the case to harass him politically,” Duke’s lawyer claimed during the hearing.

Special police super of CID Abdul Kahhar Akand has been investigating into the case.

Opposing the bail Additional Public Prosecutor Shah Alam Talukder said Duke has close connection with others accused of the case including former state minister for Home Lutfozzaman Babor, ex-deputy minister Abdus Salam Pintu and other absconding offenders.

At least 23 people, including Women Affair’s Secretary of Awami League Ivy Rahman, were killed and scores injured in the grenade attacks on the AL rally at Bangabandhu Avenue on August 21 in 2004.

Two cases were filed with Motijheel thana in this connection--one for killings and another filed under the Explosives Act.

BDST: 1750 HRS, SEPT 16, 2010