Bangladesh High Court Acquits Khaleda Zia’s Son in Dhaka Grenade Attack Case

In a landmark ruling, the Bangladesh High Court has acquitted all individuals, including Tareq Rahman, Acting Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), in the 2004 Dhaka grenade attack case. The decision, announced on Sunday, overturned the lower court's verdict, which had convicted 49 people, sentencing 19 to death.

The High Court observed that the trial court's decision was flawed and delivered in an illegal manner, leading to the acquittal of all accused.

The 2004 Dhaka Grenade Attack

The attack occurred on August 21, 2004, during an anti-terrorism rally organized by the Awami League at Bangabandhu Avenue. Sheikh Hasina, then Leader of Opposition and now the Prime Minister, had just concluded her speech when grenades exploded, leaving 24 dead and over 500 injured. Sheikh Hasina herself sustained injuries in the attack.

The rally had drawn a crowd of 20,000 people. The grenade explosions, which took place at 5:22 PM, are considered one of the most tragic attacks in Bangladesh's political history.

Controversy Surrounding the Verdict

The lower court's decision had previously sentenced former State Minister Lutfuzzaman Babar and several others to death. However, the High Court’s acquittal of all accused, including Rahman, has sparked significant debate and is likely to have political ramifications across Bangladesh.

The verdict has raised questions about the judicial process and the fairness of the original trial, with legal experts pointing to flaws in the lower court’s handling of the case.

ISCON Kolkata Monks Arrested in Bangladesh

In a separate incident, ISKCON Kolkata has reported the arrest of two of its monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, along with Chinmoy Krishna Das, ISKCON’s secretary in Bangladesh. The arrests, which took place on November 29, were reportedly linked to charges of sedition.

Radha Raman, Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata, claimed in a video statement that the monks were detained while returning from a visit to Chinmoy Krishna Das. Reports also indicate that the ISKCON center in Bangladesh was vandalized by rioters, raising concerns about the safety of religious minorities in the country.

India Expresses Concern

India has expressed alarm over increasing incidents of violence and extremism in Bangladesh, including targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has consistently raised these issues with the Bangladeshi government, urging action to safeguard minority communities.

As the High Court ruling and minority safety concerns dominate headlines, the developments underscore the complex and often volatile political and social landscape in Bangladesh.