Awami League and its associate organisations on Saturday paid tributes to the martyrs of the August 21 grenade attack that left 24 killed and hundreds injured 17 years ago.   Among the dead was Ivy Rahman, the women affairs secretary of Awami League, as hand grenades rained on an anti-terrorism rally addressed by then Opposition leader Sheikh Hasina  at Bangabandhu Avenue. She narrowly escaped the attack. Also read: 17th anniversary of Grenade Attack on AL rally beckons AL leaders and workers gathered at the site of the attack and stood in silence for a few minutes before placing wreaths there in the morning. In observance of the day the ruling party also held a discussion meeting where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina spoke virtually. Also read: Bangladesh observes 17th anniversary of Dhaka grenade attack

The anti-liberation and communal forces are still hatching conspiracies in the country.

 Recalling the barbaric carnage, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday alleged that then PM Khaleda Zia staged the August 21, 2004 grenade attack as carrying out killings is their habit.