The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The divisional speedy trial tribunal of Dhaka Tuesday fixed October 14 for hearing charges in the two cases concerning the grenade attack on an Awami League rally on August 21, 2004.

This is for the 4th time the date for hearing charges against the accused has been shifted.

The two cases-one is under the Explosive Substances Act and another for murder-will be tried analogously by the same court.

Advocate Kamrul Islam filed an application praying for time, saying that 18 lawyers would defend the persons wounded in the grenade attack. "For this, solicitors' permission is necessary and that will take time."

After hearing the plea, Judge M Masder Hossain fixed the fresh date.

Former State Minister Abdus Salam Pinto of BNP, Mufti Hannan, Munshi Mohibullah, Khaled Saifullah and Arif Hasan, among other accused, were present in the court.

Eight of the accused are absconding.

The case was filed against the grenade attack on the Awami League rally on August 21, 2004 which killed 23 people and injured about 200, including party chief and former PM Sheikh Hasina.