Bangladesh court acquits Zia’s son and 48 others convicted in 2004 deadly grenade attack

Associated Press

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Bangladesh’s High Court acquitted former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman, and 48 others, overturning their verdicts in a deadly 2004 grenade attack on a political rally. Sunday’s ruling comes at a critical time after longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country following an uprising in which hundreds died. Rahman could become Bangladesh’s next leader if Zia’s party is voted into power. Rahman and the 48 others were found guilty in 2018 in the attack targeting a rally held by Hasina’s supporters. Nineteen of the defendants were sentenced to death. Rahman, who lives in exile, had been sentenced to life in prison. The ruling can be appealed to the Supreme Court.