DHAKA:   Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader expressed his mixed reaction over the verdict of two cases filed in connection with the grenade attack that killed 24 people on August 21, 2004.

Obaidul Quader, also, general secretary of ruling Awami League said, “We’re not unhappy with the belated verdict; then again we’re not absolutely satisfied. The mastermind or the planner of the attack should have been given capital punishment.”

Law Minister Anisul Huq also expressed same reaction over the verdict of August 21 grenade attack at the secretariat on Wednesday (October 10).

Anisul Huq said, “Tarique Rahman, elder son of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, was the mastermind of August 21 grenade attack. He was behind the conspiracy to kill Sheikh Hasina and to wipe off Awami League from Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman was given life imprisonment in the case. We, however, believe that death penalty should have been given, because those who played significant roles to realize the attack were awarded death penalty.”

BDST: 1538 HRS, OCT 10, 2018

AH/SMS