Dhaka, Aug 21 (V7N): The Supreme Court (SC) is set to review the death reference and appeals related to the August 21, 2004, grenade attack on an Awami League rally once its current recess concludes, according to the prosecution. The proceedings will continue with the previous bench if available; if not, a new bench may need to start the hearing afresh, stated Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman on Wednesday.
The trial court delivered its verdict in this case in 2018, and the matter is now under review by the High Court. The court's recess, which began on August 8, will end on October 17.
In 2023, former Attorney General Amin Uddin mentioned that only a few hundred pages of the paper book remained to be read, but the hearing was delayed due to the senior judge receiving medical treatment in India. The hearing was expected to conclude within 10-11 working days, he noted at that time.
The trial court's decision and related case documents were sent to the High Court the same year, where it is now registered as a death reference case.
Among those sentenced are BNP-Jamaat coalition government's former state minister for home Lutfozzaman Babar, former deputy minister Abdus Salam Pintu, and 19 others who received death sentences. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and 19 others were sentenced to life imprisonment. Tarique, who is currently residing in the UK, is considered a fugitive and has been unable to appeal.
The August 21 commemoration passed quietly, with the Awami League remaining inactive following its ouster, though some supporters posted about the event on Facebook.
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