Bangladesh High Court Overturns Tarique Rahman's Conviction

Tarique Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has been acquitted by Bangladesh's High Court of his involvement in the 2004 grenade attack on a political rally that targeted then-opposition leader Sheikh Hasina. The court ruled the previous convictions of Rahman and 48 others were illegal, citing procedural failures in the original trial where none of the 225 witnesses provided direct evidence. This ruling comes amid significant political upheaval following Hasina's flight to India amidst unrest. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which Rahman leads from exile in London, claims the judicial actions were politically motivated, alleging coercion in obtaining confessions. The acquittal is seen as a pivotal moment that could reshape Bangladesh's political landscape as the BNP seeks to regain power. As political tensions continue, the Awami League party criticized the ruling, asserting that the public should hold those responsible for the grenade attack accountable.