Terming the August 21 grenade attack heinous and terrorist in nature, the BNP has demanded proper trial of the masterminds of the grisly attack.
Nazrul Islam Khan, a standing committee member of the party, came up with the demand after placing wreaths at party founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave on Friday morning.
Nazrul said: “No matter who is behind the attack, we want punishment to the criminals after a proper investigation.
“We have said it repeatedly but the Awami League still keeps blaming us and it is just because of political reasons.”
The BNP leader said his party believes in democratic politics and there is no place of criminal activity in the party as his party does not get involved in any politics of killing.
Regarding the arrest of three pro-BNP lawyers, Nazrul said: “I do not know the details about the arrests, but the government has been trying to prove that the BNP patronises criminal activity and it is a party of criminals.”
Criticising the government for its repressive policy, he said: “Many BNP leaders have been behind bars for a long time. A change is needed. People’s government is required in the country.”
At least 24 people, including Awami League’s women affairs secretary Ivy Rahman – the wife of late president Zillur Rahman – were killed and 300 others injured in the grenade attack on an Awami League rally in the capital in 2004.
Sheikh Hasina, Awami League chief and then opposition leader, survived the attack with serious damage to hearing.
