On this day in 2004, a grisly grenade attack was carried out on an anti-terrorism rally arranged by Awami League at Bangabandhu Avenue. Sheikh Hasina, the then leader of the opposition, was apparently the target.

The BNP-Jamaat alliance government was in office at that time.

At least 24 people, including Mohila Awami League president and late President Zillur Rahman’s wife Ivy Rahman, were killed. Three hundred others were also injured. Sheikh Hasina escaped the attack unhurt but her hearing was affected badly.

Fourteen years later, a Dhaka court on October 10 last year sentenced 19 people, including then BNP government’s state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar, to death.

Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and the party's current acting chairman, and 18 others were sentenced to life in prison.

Awami League and its associate bodies marked the day with elaborate programmes. 

Besides, partners of the 14-party alliance’s socio-cultural and professional organisations observed the day through various programmes.

Marking the anniversary of the attack, the Awami League and its associate bodies placed wreaths at a makeshift altar in front of the party’s central office at Bangabandhu Avenue.

A discussion was held at the city’s Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in the afternoon where Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina spoke.