Dhaka, 03 Jan – The defence of the grenade attack case yesterday continued submitting arguments seeking acquittal of Md Hanif in cases filed in connection with the August 2, 2004 grenade attack on an Awami League rally held at Bangabandhu Avenue of the city.State-appointed lawyer Chaitanya Chandra Halder on Wednesday argued for Hanif, owner of Hanif Paribahan, for an hour while he argued that the charges against Hanif was not proved.
After he placed his arguments, Judge Shahed Nuruddin of the Speedy Trial Tribunal-1, set up on the Alia Madrasa ground of Bakshibazar in the city set January 9 for next hearing in the case for placing defence arguments on behalf of other accused persons.
Of the 49 accused, eight, including three former inspector general of police, are now on bail, while 18, including BNP senior vice-chairman Tarique Rahman, have been absconding.
On December 27, the prosecution concluded their arguments on facts of sensational case.
A total of 24 Awami League leaders and activists including then Mohila Awami League President Ivy Rahman and also the wife of late president Zillur Rahman were killed and over 300 others suffered splinter injuries in the grenade attack. The incumbent Prime Minister and the then leader of the opposition Sheikh Hasina narrowly escaped the heinous grenade attack. – Special Correspondent
