Khaleda Zia's Son Gets Relief From Bangladesh High Court, Conviction Overturned In 2004 Grenade Attack; BNP Welcomes Decision

The High Court of Bangladesh has overturned the convictions of 48 individuals including former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, in connection to a deadly 2004 grenade attack on a political rally.

This decision, delivered on Sunday (1 December) nullified a 2018 ruling that had sentenced 19 individuals to death and Rahman to life imprisonment. The attack targeted a rally organised by supporters of Sheikh Hasina, who was the opposition leader at the time.

The incident left over 20 dead and nearly 300 injured. Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had consistently claimed the trial was politically motivated. The recent judgment by a two-member High Court panel declared the 2018 trial and its verdicts "illegal," effectively acquitting all accused.

Rahman, who serves as the acting chairperson of the BNP from self-exile in London, is poised to play a significant role in the country’s political future. If his party secures victory in upcoming elections, he could become Bangladesh's next leader.

The verdict arrives amidst a turbulent political climate in Bangladesh. Longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India in August following a mass uprising that resulted in hundreds of deaths. Her departure led to Yunus assuming the role of interim leader.

His administration has struggled to restore stability, grappling with mob violence, widespread persecution of minorities—particularly Hindus—and calls for electoral reforms. Yunus has dismissed allegations of systematic targeting as “exaggerated.”

Hasina, now facing charges of crimes against humanity for the violent crackdown during the uprising, is the subject of an Interpol notice sought by Bangladesh. It remains uncertain whether India will comply with potential extradition requests, given the mutual treaty between the two nations.

Calls for elections have gained momentum, with Rahman and the BNP advocating for immediate polls. However, the Jamaat-e-Islami party, an ally of Zia’s BNP during its 2001-2006 administration, has expressed support for Yunus’ interim government, suggesting that reforms should precede any electoral process.