Bangladesh's High Court has made a significant decision by acquitting former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, and 48 others in connection with a deadly 2004 grenade attack on a political rally. The attack, which targeted a rally held by supporters of then-opposition leader Sheikh Hasina, resulted in the deaths of two dozen people and left around 300 others injured.
The 2018 verdict that found Rahman and the others guilty has been overturned by a two-member judge panel following an appeal lodged by the defendants. The defense lawyer declared the trial and verdict as 'illegal,' leading to the acquittal of all 49 men involved in the case.
Rahman, who currently serves as the acting chairperson of Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party while in self-exile in London, could potentially become Bangladesh's next leader if his party secures victory in the upcoming elections.
Zia and Hasina, the country's most powerful politicians and long-standing rivals, have been at the center of Bangladesh's political landscape for years. The recent ruling comes at a time of heightened political tension in the country, with Hasina having fled to India in August following a mass uprising that resulted in significant casualties.
The interim government, led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, has been facing challenges in maintaining order amid reports of mob justice, chaos, and alleged targeting of minority groups, particularly Hindus. Yunus has dismissed claims of systematic targeting as 'exaggerated.'
While Zia's party has welcomed the court's decision, Hasina's Awami League party criticized the ruling, emphasizing that the people of Bangladesh should be the ones to hold those responsible for the attacks accountable.
Looking ahead, the attorney general's office retains the option to appeal the High Court's ruling in the Supreme Court. The Yunus-led government has not yet set a timeframe for the next election, with differing opinions among political parties on the timing of the polls.
Hasina, who faces charges of crimes against humanity for her role in the student-led uprising, remains a controversial figure in Bangladesh's political landscape. The interim government has reportedly sought assistance from Interpol to apprehend Hasina, though it remains uncertain whether India will comply with any extradition requests under mutual treaties.
