Abrar Hussain

Arguments for 4 more fugitives, accused at Dhaka 1st Speedy Trial Tribunal, were placed Wednesday as the defense at the August 21, 2004 grenade attack case concluded today, reports Bss.Counsels for Mawlana Liton alias Jubayer, Mufti Shafikur Rahman, Md Iqbal and Mawlana Tajuddin concluded arguments for their respective clients and pleaded for acquitting them from the charges. Counsel for another fugitive accused Munshi Muhibullah alias Ovee started placing arguments for his client but failed to wrap up within the stipulated time. Judge Shahed Nur Uddin of the tribunal then adjourned the hearing till Thursday.The prosecution at their closing arguments pleaded for maximum punishment for the accused.”For the sake of justice and meeting the expectation of the justice seekers, we are pleading for maximum punishment for the accused,” Chief Prosecutor Syed Rezaur Rahman said, “The main aim of that barbaric attack was to eliminate the top leadership of Awami League including its president Sheikh Hasina and create a vacuum among the force in support of War of Liberation and independence.” The prosecution in their arguments stated that a total of five local and foreign militant outfits were involved in the barbaric attack, killing 24 leaders and activists of Bangladesh Awami League. The prosecution concluded its argument on December 27th.