The acquittal of the August 21 killers, the Yunus government has written a grave for justice

The grenade attack on the Awami League anti-terrorism rally on Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka on August 21, 2004, was the most brutal political massacre in the history of independent Bangladesh. In this attack, which was carried out with the support of the state, 24 leaders and activists, including female leader Ivy Rahman, were martyred. Hundreds of people were injured. Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina miraculously returned from the brink of death. After a long struggle, investigation and judicial process, the nation thought that the punishment of the killers had finally been confirmed.

But today the people of the country are shocked again. The Appellate Division of Bangladesh has upheld the acquittal of all the accused, including BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfuzzaman Babar. This verdict is not just the end of a case; it is the death of the entire nation's faith in justice.

The dark chapter of impunity

Acquitting the murderers of the public massacre means legitimizing the politics of murder. The question arises if even public murders like the grenade attack are not punished, then where is the safety of the lives of ordinary people? This verdict makes it clear that the illegal Yunus government and the illegally appointed judges protected the murderers out of gratitude.

This verdict is not only against the Awami League; it is a terrible conspiracy against the spirit of the Liberation War, democracy and justice.

Unmasking the illegal government

The nation is witnessing today that murderers, militants, war criminals and opponents of independence are once again finding safe haven under the shadow of the state. By acquitting the perpetrators of brutal murders like the 21st of August, the Yunus government has proven that they are not engaged in protecting the interests of the people, but of foreign masters. They have buried justice to maintain the bloody power pact. Therefore, the fall of this government is inevitable.

People's Court is the Last Resort

Today's verdict has set a terrible precedent of injustice in Bangladesh. However, history testifies that no unjust verdict lasts forever. The murderers, their masterminds and their protectors will be tried in the people's court. The people of Bengal are saying in one word today - we don't want the #murderers to be acquitted, we want Yunus to be tried.