The grenade attack on August 21, 2004, at the Awami Leagueโs anti-terrorism rally on Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka was the most brutal political massacre in the history of independent Bangladesh.
In this state-sponsored attack, 24 leaders and activists, including women’s leader Ivy Rahman, were martyred. Hundreds were injured. Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangabandhu, miraculously escaped death. After a long struggle, investigation, and judicial process, the nation believed – at last, the killers would face justice.
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But today, once again, the people of the country are stunned. The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the High Courtโs acquittal of all accused, including BNPโs acting chairman Tarique Rahman and former state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar. This verdict is not merely the conclusion of one case; it marks the death of the nationโs faith in justice.
A Dark Chapter of Impunity
Acquitting the killers of such a public massacre means legitimising the politics of murder. The question arises: if even the perpetrators of an open grenade attack go unpunished, then where lies the safety of ordinary lives? This verdict makes it clear that the illegitimate Yunus government and illegally appointed judges have protected the killers only out of gratitude.
This ruling is not just against the Awami League; it is a dreadful conspiracy against the spirit of the Liberation War, against democracy, and against justice.
The Mask of the Illegitimate Government Unveiled
The nation now witnesses that killers, extremists, war criminals, and anti-independence forces are once again finding safe shelter under the shadow of the state. By acquitting the perpetrators of the brutal August 21 massacre, the Yunus government has proven that they serve not the people but foreign masters. To maintain their blood-stained grip on power, they have buried justice. Therefore, the fall of this government is inevitable.
The Peopleโs Court is the Final Refuge
Todayโs verdict has set a horrific precedent of impunity in Bangladesh. But history bears witness that no unjust verdict is ever permanent. In the peopleโs court, the killers, their masterminds, and their protectors will be tried. The people of Bangladesh declare in one voice: We do not want the acquittal of killers; we want Yunus brought to justice.
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