Former premier Khaleda Zia, her son Tarique Rahman, Jamaat chief Matiur Rahman Nizami and 25 others were charged with murder yesterday in the August 21 grenade attacks on an Awami League (AL) rally about three years ago.Badar Aziz Uddin of Cox's Bazar filed the case with the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court, Dhaka. He too was injured in the blasts that left 23 killed and scores wounded on the city's Bangabandhu Avenue in 2004.
The other accused include Jamaat Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid, former state minister for home Lutfozzaman Babar, former BNP lawmakers Amanullah Aman, Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, Mirza Abbas, Mosaddek Ali Falu, Barkat Ullah Bulu, Salahuddin Ahmed, Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu, Helaluzzaman Talukder Lalu, Krishak Dal General Secretary Shahjahan Mian, Islami Bank Managing Director Nurul Islam, and businessman Giasuddin Al Mamun. The complainant said former BNP lawmakers Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu, Helaluzzaman Talukder Lalu, businessman Giasuddin Al Mamun, Islami Bank Managing Director Nurul Islam, Krishak Dal General Secretary Shahjahan, and some unidentified goons hurled grenades moments after Sheikh Hasina had stepped down from the dais.
The blasts were carried out on instructions from BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Senior Joint Secretary General Tarique Rahman, Matiur Rahman Nizami, former state minister for home Lutfozzaman Babar, Jamaat Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid, former BNP lawmakers Amanullah Aman, Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, Mirza Abbas, Mosaddek Ali Falu, Barkat Ullah Bulu, and Salahuddin Ahmed.
The other accused include Jamaat leader Abdul Kader Mollah, Brig Gen (retired) Hannan Shah, the then National Security Intelligence (NSI) boss Maj Gen (retired) Rezzakul Haider, police chief Modabbir Hossain Chowdhury, BNP leader and former minister Aminul Huq, Rajshahi City Mayor Mizanur Rahman Minu, ex-additional IGP Faruq Ahmed, ex-DMP commissioner Khoda Bux, Islami Bank Chairman Abdul Halim, Shahidul Huq Jamal of Pirojpur, Ward Commissioner and BNP leader Chowdhury Alam and AKM Ahsanul Tayab Zakir of Bogra.
The magistrate asked the officer-in-charge of Paltan police to inquire into the case and submit a report.
Earlier, on August 22, 2004, police filed a case with the Motijheel Police Station against 200 people in connection with the grenade blasts. Two GDs filed by AL leaders Abdul Jalil and Saber Hossain Chowdhury the same day were merged into the police case.
The interim government on March 25 described the case as sensational and placed it on the list of the home ministry's monitoring cell for proper investigation and quick disposal.
However, sources said no headway has yet been made in the investigation.