Prosecution seeks death penalty for Tarique, 48 others

The prosecution has concluded placing argument and sought death penalty for BNP senior vice president Tarique Rahman and 48 other accused in the cases filed over August 21 grenade attack on Awami League rally in 2004, reports UNB.

Syed Rezaur Rahman, chief prosecutor of the case, sought the highest punishment on Monday after concluding the prosecution argument at Speedy Trial Tribunal-1 while tribunal Judge Shahed Nur Uddin set today (Tuesday) for starting the defence argument.

On August 21 in 2004, the grisly grenade attack was carried out on an anti-terrorism rally organiged by Awami League at Bangabandhu Avenue during the BNP-Jamaat alliance's rule reportedly to assassinate then leader of the opposition Sheikh Hasina.

At least 24 leaders and activists, including AL's women affairs secretary and late president Zillur Rahman's wife Ivy Rahman, were killed and 300 others injured in the grenade attack.

Although Sheikh Hasina fortunately escaped with her life from the attack, her hearing was affected badly.

Two cases -- one under the Explosive Substances Act and another for murder -- were filed in connection with the grenade attack.

Along with Tarique Rahman, BNP leader and former Home Minister Lutfozzaman Babar and BNP leader Abdus Salam Pintu are among the 93 accused in the cases.