The grenade attack on 21 August 2004 at the anti-terrorism rally organised by the Awami League on Bangabandhu Avenue was a premeditated act orchestrated by foreign forces and had no involvement from the BNP, claimed Mirza Abbas, a standing committee member of the party.
He made these remarks during a discussion at the National Press Club on Sunday (1 December) following the court’s verdict on the case.
Speaking to the audience, Abbas remarked, “On this first day of December, I want to share a piece of victorious news with you. You may recall the grenade attack on 21 August. In that case, Tarique Rahman was not involved, and consequently, he and others have been acquitted.”
Expressing discontent over the judicial process in recent years, Abbas said, “We have not received justice in the past. But today, on the first day of December, we are graced with this joyous news. We anticipate more positive outcomes in the days ahead.”
The BNP leader reiterated his claim that foreign entities orchestrated the grenade attack, adding that it was a deliberate attempt to implicate the party and its leaders in a fabricated narrative.
“The grenade attack on 21 August was a meticulously planned act by a foreign power. BNP was never involved in this heinous crime. This foreign entity sought to entangle Begum Khaleda Zia and our acting chairman Tarique Rahman in a false case. Not only was it a false case, but it was also based on a concocted story. Using that as a foundation, Tarique Rahman was unfairly sentenced,” he asserted.
Mirza Abbas further highlighted that the court’s recent decision has exonerated Tarique Rahman, who was falsely implicated in the case.
“Today’s verdict declares that Tarique Rahman was not involved, and he has been acquitted,” he stated.
During his speech, Abbas expressed optimism about Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh in the near future.
“I believe that Tarique Rahman will soon return to us, safe and sound. God has preserved his health and granted him freedom. We pray for his long life so that he may serve the people of this country,” he concluded.
