Dhaka, Aug 19 (V7N) – The third day of hearing on the state’s appeal against the High Court verdict acquitting all accused, including BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, in the August 21 grenade attack case began on Tuesday morning.

The hearing is being conducted before a six-member bench of the Appellate Division, headed by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed.

On December 1, the High Court acquitted all accused in both the murder and explosives cases related to the 2004 grenade attack on an Awami League rally. The state later filed an appeal challenging the verdict.

The attack on August 21, 2004, targeted a rally of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Bangabandhu Avenue, killing 24 Awami League leaders and activists and injuring hundreds.

Two cases were filed in connection with the incident—one under the Explosives Act and another on charges of murder.

In 2018, the trial court sentenced 19 individuals, including former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfuzzaman Babar and former Deputy Minister for Education Abdus Salam Pintu, to death. Another 19 people, including Tarique Rahman, were sentenced to life imprisonment, while 11 others received varying prison terms and fines.

END/SMA/AJ