The High Court in Bangladesh acquitted 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 targeted supporters of Sheikh Hasina, the opposition leader at the time, leaving two dozen people dead and hundreds injured. Rahman, who is in self-exile in London, could potentially become the next leader of Bangladesh if his party is voted into power. The ruling comes at a time of political tension in the country, with Hasina fleeing to India following a mass uprising.
The court overturned the verdicts that were handed down in 2018, which saw 19 people sentenced to death and Rahman receiving a life sentence. The ruling was criticized by Zia’s party as politically motivated. The court deemed the trial and verdict illegal, resulting in the acquittal of all defendants. The Yunus-led interim government, which has been in power since Hasina’s departure, has not set a timeline for the next election.
Meanwhile, Hasina faces charges of crimes against humanity for deaths during the summer’s student-led uprising, and the interim government has sought Interpol’s help to arrest her. It is unclear whether India will respond to any extradition requests for Hasina under a mutual treaty. Zia’s party has welcomed the court ruling, while the Jamaat-e-Islami party has expressed support for the current government to stay in power and implement reforms before a new election.
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